ML 
50 

1896 


B   M   337   5flM 


ROBIN    HOOD, 


COMIC  OPERA 


IN 


THREE   ACTS. 


LIBRETTO   BY 


REGINALD  DeKOVEN,  HARRY  B.  SMITH. 


Copyright,  1890,  by  HARRY  B.  SMITH. 


NEW  YORK : 
BURR  PRINTING  HOUSE, 

18  Jacob  Street, 


MUSIC   LIBRARY 

University  of  California 
Berkeley 


CHARACTERS  REPRESENTED. 


Robert Earl  of  Huntington,  afterward  Robin  Hood. 

Sir  Tristram  Testy Sheriff  of  Nottingham. 

Little  John,  >,  ,      : 

Friar  Tuck,  I 

Allan-a-D  ALE,         y Outlaws, 

Will  Scarlet, 

Guy  of  Gisborne.  ^ 

Marian Daughter  of  Lord  Fitzwalter,  afterward  called  Maid  Marian. 

Dame  Durden Keeper  of  an  Inn  on  the  Border  of  Sherwood  Forest. 

Annabel.  . . Her  Daughter. 

Mark  o'  the  Mili A  Villager. 

Outlaws,  King's  Foresters,  Villagers,  Sheriff's  Henchmen,  Village 
Musicians,  Milkmaids,  Shepherds,  etc..  etc. 


MUSIC 
LIBRARY 


ROBIN  HOOD. 


ACT  I. 

Scene.      The  old  to-wn  of  Nottingham.     Early   morning  on' the   day  of  the 
May  Day  fair.      Villagers  enter  preparing  for  the  fair. 

Villagers.  'Tis  the  morning  of  the  fair, 

'Tis  a  day  of  pastime  rare  ; 
Hail  the  gladsome  day, 
The  happy  time  of  May. 
Springtime  cometh  over  hill  and  vale. 

May  Day  bright 

Brings  delight. 
Happy  time,  we  sing  to  thee  all  hail. 
Birds  so  bright  carol  on  ev'ry  side  ; 

Seem  to  sing 

To  the  spring, 
Welcoming  with  joy  the  svveet  springtide. 
{A  pedlar  enters  with  his  pack.      Outlaws'  horns  are  heard  in  the  distance^ 

All.  List  to  the  gay  hunter's  horn 

Sound  through  the  forest  at  morn. 
{Little  John,  Allan-a-Dale  and  Will  Scarlet  enter.) 

Little  John.  In  Sherwood  forest,  the  merriest  of  lives 

Is  our  life  so  fair  and  free. 
Scarlet,  We  roam  and  rove 

In  Sherwood's  grove 
Beneath  the  greenwood  tree. 
Allan.  Through  all  the  glades 

And  sylvan  shades 
Our  homes  are  found. 
We  hunt  the  deer. 
Afar  and  near 
Our  hunting  horns  resound. 
Tan-ta  ra  ! 


188 


The  three.  Cheerily,  merrily,  roaming  e'er, 

Living  like  kings  in  the  forest  fair  ; 

Never  are  we  weary,  ever  we  are  gay. 

Free  are  we  as  birds  the  livelong  summer  day. 

Ail.  Cheerily,  merrily,  etc. 

{Annabel  enters  from  cottage  R.) 

Annabel.  Surely  'tis  an  acquisition 

To  this  goodly  companie  ; 
Outlaws  of  such  high  position 
Gladly  at  the  fair  we  see. 
All.  Come  and  join  our  dance  ! 

Morris  Dance. 

All.  Fal-la,  Fal-la 

Trip  a  morris  dance  hilarious. 

Lightly,  brightly. 
Trip  in  measures  multifarious. 
Dance  so  happily,  so  gaily,  madly, 
Dance  your  prettiest,  your  lightest  and  best ; 
No  court  minuet  is  danced  half  so  gladly, 
Dance  your  liveliest  and  don't  stop  to  rest. 
Fal-la,  Fal-la. 
Friar  Tuck.    {Outside  siftging.)   Who  so  gay  as  the  jolly  friar  ! 
Little  John.     Here  comes  our  jolly  comrade,  Friar  Tuck. 
All.     Hurrah  ! 

{Enter  Friar  Tuck.) 

Little  Johtt.  How  comes  it  that  you  are  here  at  our  fair,  when  you  should 
be  at  home  counting  your  beads  and  mumbling  your  orisons  ? 

Ff-iar  Tuck.  Good,  my  son  and  merry  master.  I've  had  aright  busy  day. 
I've  been  selling  goods. 

All.     Goods  ? 

Friar  Tuck.  Yes  !  Our  goods — goods  we've  confiscated—absorbed  ; 
clothing,  deer,  and  so  forth.  And  our  arch  enemy,  the  high  sheriff,  was 
there,  disguised  as  a  mountebank.  He  bought  goods  of  me — an  old 
suit  of  homespun,  ragged  and  torn,  three  crowns  {all  laugh),  and 
an  old  starved  deer  for  eight  crowns.     (All  laugh.) 

Scarlet.     A  King's  deer,  I'll  be  sworn  ! 

Friar  Tuck.     Better  yet,  from  his  own  park. 

Scarlet.     Did  he  pay  for  them  ? 

Friar  Tuck.     No  !     No  ! 

{Little  John  snatches  purse  from  Tuck . ) 

Little  John.  'Well,  as  leader  of  the  band,  I  propose  that  we  go  to  the 
nearest  hostelry  and  spend  the  proceeds. 


Friar  Tuck.     Agreed  !     And  if  the  tipple  is  good  you'll  find  that  I  have  a 
throat  on  me  like  a  pelican. 
{^Exit  Little  John,  Scarlet,  Allan-a-Dale,  and  Friar  Tuck,  L.  U.  E.) 

Milkmaids'  Chorus. 

Milkmaids.  When  chanticleer  crowing 

Says  night  is  a'going, 
And  larks  their  nests  are  scorning-O, 
In  rain  or  fair  weather, 
We  trip  o'er  the  heather 
So  early  in  the  morning-O. 

Yes,  when  dawn's  first  blush  we  see 
Come  we  milkmaids  o'er  the  lea, 

Singing  tra-la-la. 
Plowboys  haste  o'er  dell  and  hill, 
Whistling  with  a  right  good-will, 
Piping  their  tra-la-la. 


{Annabel  comes  forward.) 

Annabel,  With  a  lissome  figure  and  a  laughing  face 

An  ideal  milkmaid's  a  thing  of  grace. 
A  creature  whose  laughing,  dimpled  face 
Is  of  lilies  and  roses  the  trysting  place. 
The  painters  depict  her  a  fairy  thing  ; 
The  poets  her  praises  delight  to  sing. 
She  dresses  in  satins  and  finest  silks. 
She  sings  sweet  songs  as  she  sits  and  milks. 
She  insists  upon  wearing  a  Gainsborough  hat. 
Her  ankles  are  something  to  wonder  at. 
Her  hands  are  dainty  and  oh,  so  white  ; 
Her  curls  are  perfect,  her  eyes  are  bright. 
She's  the  manner  and  mien  of  my  lady  fine. 
While  even  her  cows  are  idyllic  kine. 
Such  milkmaids  do  poets  and  painters  find, 
And  it's  proper  to  add  we  are  just  that  kind. 

Milkmaids.  We're  exceedingly  glad 

We  have  nothing  to  add 
In  the  way  of  contradiction, 
For  it's  easy  to  see 
That  such  milkmaids  as  we 
Are  not  milkmaids  of  fact,  but  of  fiction. 

Allan.  But  the  kind  of  milkmaids  that  you  describe 

Do  not  belong  to  the  real  tribe 


The  real  milkmaid  in  a  homespun  gown 

Has  very  few  smiles  but  full  many  a  frown  ; 

Her  hands  are  heavy  and  red  and  rough, 

And  she  rarely  sings,  for  her  voice  is  grufif. 

She  is  middle-aged,  she  is  plain  at  that. 

And  her  figure  is  something  to  cavil  at. 

Her  life  is  a  merry  round,  'tis  said. 

Of  rising,  working  and  going  lo  bed. 

Her  joy  is  getting  her  work  all  done 

And  going  to  rest  at  the  set  of  sun. 

Of  all  her  life,  'tis  the  saddest  tale 

When  a  cow  kicks  over  a  brimming  pail. 

Her  hands  are  rough,  and  her  gown  homespun, 

And  she  only  sings  when  her  work  is  done. 

Milkmaids.  We're  exceedingly  sure 

We  could  never  endure 
Any  life  so  fraught  with  friction  ; 
And  'tis  easy  to  see 
That  it's  nicer  to  be 
A  milkmaid  of  fanciful  fiction. 

Dame  D.  {To  Annabel.)  Thou  pert  minx  !  Get  thee  within.  {To  Allan.) 
Young  man,  begone,  unless  thou  hast  a  mind  to  buy  butter  or  cheese 
from  a  lone  widow  and  her  daughter. 

Allan.     Butter  and   cheese?  peaches   and  cream  !     {.4llan   kisses  Annabel.) 

Dame  D.     Eh  ?     What  was  that  ? 

Allan.     Twas  nothing,  gentle  Dame. 

Dame  D.     Truly  a  loud  nothing.      This  smacks  of  untruth. 

Allan  {sympathetically).     Is  it  true  that  you  are  a  widow  ? 

Datne  D.  {Aside.)  Can  he  mean  to  propose  (Sighs.)  Alas!  I  know  not 
for  surety.  My  man  has  been  at  the  Crusades  for  twelve  years.  Each 
year  I  have  sent  him  a  suit  of  homespun  and  a  letter,  but  to  the 
last  I  have  received  no  answer.  I  fear  the  outlaws  waylaid  the  mes- 
senger and  stole  the  suit. 

Allan.     Perhaps  your  good  man  may  return  this  very  day.     Many  bowmen 
from  the  Crusades  will  attend   the  fair   to  take  part  in  the  shooting 
match,  and  it  is  time  for  the  archers  to  be  here. 
{Horn  sounds  ivithout.) 

Allan.     Yes,  there  is  the  signal  for  their  coming. 

Dame  D.   (Looking  of.)     But  who  is   the  gallant  leading  them  ?     Surely  he 

is  not  a  forester. 
Allan.     That  is  young  Robert  of  Huntington.      He  comes  into  his  title  and 

estates  this  very  day. 
Annabel.     {Looking  off".)     Methinks  he  is  a  proper  man. 


Allan.  He  is  a  fine  fellow,  and  though  he  belongs  to  the  nobility  he  is  the 
finest  bow-shot  in  all  England.  Oh,  what  a  pity  that  he  is  not  an  out- 
law. 

{Horns  heard.  The  archers  enter  headed  by  Robert,  Little  John,  Allan-a-Dale, 
Scarlet — All  armed  with  long  bows.) 

Ensemble. 
Archers.  Come  the  bowmen  in  Lincoln  green, 

More  skillful  archers  were  never  seen. 
Villagers.  Bowmen  they  with  eyes  so  keen, 

Gaily  clad  in  Lincoln  green. 
Robert.  In  the  leafy  shades 

Of  the  woodland  glades, 
'Neath  old  Sherwood's  greenwood  tree  ; 
Where  the  red  deer  springs 
And  the  throstle  sings 
Is  the  dearest  spot  to  me  ; 
For  never  a  care 
r  the  world  comes  there, 
And  never  you  hear  a  sigh  ; 
As  you  love  and  laugh. 
As  you  quip  and  quaff. 
So  gaily  the  days  go  by. 
Then  hey  for  the  merry  greenwood  ?  say  I, 

And  give  me  a  bow  of  yew  ; 
Let  mine  be  the  life  that  is  free  from  strife. 
Where  friends  are  stanch  and  true. 
All.  Then  hey  for  the  merry  greenwood  !  say  I,  etc. 

Robert.  Oh,  we  hunt  the  stag 

Over  hill  and  crag, 
Where  the  antlered  monarch  bounds; 
With  a  trusty  bow 
We  can  lay  him  low. 
Then  our  ringing  bugle  sounds. 
All  lovers  who  mourn 
Can  find  hope  newborn 
If  the  life  oi  the  woods  they  try  ; 
There  is  sure  relief 
For  a  lover's  grief, 
So  gaily  the  days  go  by. 
All.  Then  hey  for  the  merry  greenwood  !  say  I,  etc. 

Annabel.  Sir  cavalier. 

You're  welcome  here 
To  this  our  fair. 


8 


Robert.  My  thanks,  my  dear, 

A  pretty  girl 
You  are,  I  swear. 
Allan.  Just  pardon  me. 

My  friend,  but  she 
Is  my  betrothed  I  must  aver. 
Little  J.  {Aside  to  Robert.)  Though  all  is  fair 
In  love  and  war. 
You'd  better  not  make  love  to  her. 
Robert.  As  all  is  fair 

In  love  or  war, 
I'll  make  love  to  whome'er  I  will  ; 
On  May  Day  bright. 
When  hearts  are  light, 
I  scoff  at  him  who  takes  it  ill. 

Madrigal. 
Annabel,  Allan,  Robert,  and  Little  John, 
All  is  fair  in  love  and  war, 

So  they  say,  so  they  say. 

(  With  a  heigho  and  a  lily  gay.") 

And  a  wight  can  rightly  win 

Any  maid  on  May  Day. 

(As  the  primrose  spreads  so  sweetly.) 

Lily  bells  begin  to  ring, 

Fal  la-la! 
'Tis  the  matin  time  of  spring, 

Fal-la  la  ! 
Maiden  fancies  love  to  stray, 
So  they  say,  so  they  say. 
(  With  a  heigho  and  a  lily  gay. ) 
Birds  all  choose  their  mates  in  May, 

So  they  say,  so  they  say. 
{As  the  primrose  spreads  so  sweetly.) 
When  the  ringdoves  are  a'cooing. 
And  the  redbreasts  are  a'wooing. 
Then  methinks,  if  ne'er  before, 
All  is  fair  in  love  and  war. 
Fal-la-la,  la-la.  etc. 


Marian,  dressed  as  a  cavalier,  enters,  pursued  by  Friar 


{Commotion  without. 
Tuck.) 

Little  J.  How  now?     What's  the  row  ? 

Allan-  Who  is  this  youthful  gallant,  pray, 

With  whom  you  seem  to  seek  a  fray  ? 


9 


All.  Yes,  explain. 

Alarian.  Yes,  please  explain  to  me  for  one, 

I'd  like  to  know  what  I  have  done. 

He  wants  to  fight,  this  priestly  churl, 

Because  I  kissed  a  pretty  girl. 
All.  What  girl  ?     Explain. 

Friar  T.  When  I  can  get  my  breath  I'll  tell, 

Just  what  befell. 

I  saw  this  little  coxcomb  here 

Make  love  unto  a  pretty  dear. 

And  give  her  a  resounding  kiss 

Upon  the  cheek — about  like  this.     (  Tries  to  kiss  Annabel.^ 
All.  Down  with  him  ! 

Robert.  Nay  !     Hold  !     It  seems  to  me  extremely  flat 

To  fight  about  a  little  thing  like  that. 
Marian.  I  never  offered  such  a  kiss. 

'Twas  just  a  tiny  one  like  this.     {Offers  a  kiss  to  Annabel.) 
Allan.  You  seem  to  think  it  is  a  feat 

To  kiss  each  pretty  girl  you  meet. 

Solo.     Marian. 

I  come  as  a  cavalier, 

And  you  must  take  it  not  amiss  ; 
I  do  as  a  cavalier. 

Who  is  never  loath  to  steal  a  kiss. 
And  never  a  cavalier, 

Would  be  a  gallant  knight  and  true, 
Who  wouldn't  confer  a  kiss 

Upon  a  girl  who  wished  him  to. 
Cavaliers,  I  declare. 
Must  be  courteous  to  the  fair. 
Cavaliers  e'er  must  be 
In  their  manners  slightly  free. 
And  if  you  had  been  by, 
You  would  have  done  just  as  I. 
Wrath  pray  stifle, 
'Twas  a  trifle, 

She  herself  could  not  deny. 
All.  Cavaliers,  we  declare,  etc. 

{All  march  off  excepting  Robert  and  Marian.) 

Marian.  {Aside.)  So  this  is  the  future  Earl  of  Huntington  whom  the 
King  has  commanded  me  to  marry.  Well,  he's  not  so  bad  after  all. 
{Addressing  Robert.)  Young  fellow,  can  you  tell  one  where  one  may 
find  Robert  who  is  to  be  Earl  of  Huntington  ? 


10 

Robert.  Yes,  young  fellow  ;  I  can  tell  one,  or,  for  that  matter,  I  might  tell 
two,  for  T  am  he. 

Marian.  Well,  I  suppose  you  know  that  you  are  commanded  to  be  mar- 
ried ? 

Robert.     Commanded  to  be  married  ? 

Marian.     Yes  ;  behold  the  King's  command.     {Produces  parchment.) 

Robert,     And  what  have  you  to  do  with  it  ? 

Marian.  Oh,  I  am  the  page  who  brings  the  King's  message  to  Lady 
Marian's  guardian,  the  SherilT  of  Nottingham. 

Robert.  Look  ye,  young  sir,  Robert,  Earl  of  Huntington,  is  not  the  man 
to  marry  the  first  girl  that  is  offered  to  him.     /  am  rather  particular. 

Marian.  Oh,  indeed.  Well,  you  may  as  well  understand  that  my  cousin 
Marian  is  not  the  girl  to  marry  off-hand.  She's  not  easy  to  please,  and 
I  don't  think  you  will  suit. 

Robert.     Oh,  indeed  ;  and  has  she  a  high-born  temper  like  her  cousin's  ? 

Marian.  If  you  want  to  know  what  she  looks  like,  you  might  take  a  glance 
at  me.     We  are  said  to  favor  each  other. 

Robert.  Not  a  bad  looking  young  fellow.  So  you  favor  each  other,  do 
you  ?  Well,  suppose  you  favor  me  by  telling  your  cousin  that  I  am  not 
ready  to  marry,  and  therefore  I  respectfully  refuse  her. 

Mariatt.  What !  Such  impudence  !  You  refuse  my  cousin  who  has  had 
dozens  of  offers  from  the  finest  gallants  in  England  ?  You  refuse  her 
indeed  ?     She  refuses  you 

Robert.  {Aside.)  That  was  a  regular  feminine  outburst.  Why, this  must  be 
Lady  Marian  herself.  Rather  pretty — and  clever,  too.  {To  Marian.) 
Really,  my  dear  boy,  I  was  only  teasing  you.  The  fact  is  that  I  love 
your  cousin,  and  I  am  delighted  at  the  King's  command.  Oh,  she  is 
adorable. 

Marian.     Why,  where  have  you  seen  me  ?     {Recollects  herself  suddenly.) 

Robert.  Aha  !  Caught  by  your  own  confession.  And  did  you  suppose 
that  I  did  not  recognize  you  from  the  first  ? 

Marian.  It  was  only  natural  that  I  should  want  to  see  the  kind  of  man 
that  I  am  commanded  to  marry.  I  took  the  place  of  the  page  who 
was  to  bring  the  order  to  the  SherifT,  Sir  Tristram  Testy.  He  is  the 
custodian  of  my  fortune. 

Robert.  Sir  Tristram  has  charge  of  my  estates  as  well.  This  Sir  Tristram 
seems  very  fond  of  being  custodian  of  estates.     I  mistrust  him. 

Marian.  And  I  suspect  him,  too.  He  has  been  pressing  the  suit  of  one 
Guy  of  Gisborne,  whom  he  wishes  me  to  marry.  The  two  have  some 
conspiracy  afoot.  Sir  Tristram  is  likely  to  be  here  soon  to  attend  the 
fair.  I  will  dress  as  a  village  girl,  take  a  place  in  yonder  dairy  booth, 
and  try  to  learn  his  motive  in  wishing  me  to  marry  Guy  of  Gisborne. 

Robert.  Marry  another  !  How  can  you  speak  of  such  a  thing?  Are  you 
not  plighted  to  me  by  the  King's  command  ? 

Marian.     But  you  refused  me. 


11 


Robert. 


Marian, 

Robert. 

Marian. 

Robert. 

Marian. 


Robert.     Refuse?     No;  never   did    King    have   subject   who  obeyed    more 

willingly.      {About  to  put  his  arm  around  her  ) 
Marian.     {Repulsing  hivi.)     Not  so  fast.      (Imitating  his  manner  in  the  early 

part  of  the  scene.)     Look  ye,  young  sir,  Lady  Marian  Fitzwalter  is  not 

the  girl  to  marry  the  first  man  who  is  offered  to  her.     I  am  rather  par 

ticular. 
Robert.     Believe  me  ;   I  spoke  the  truth  when   I   told  you  that  at  the  court 

tourneys  I  have  seen  you  and   seen  only  to   dream   of  your  beauty  for 

days.     But  I  never  thought  that  I  should  have  the  happiness  of  calling 

you  mine. 

Duet.     Marian  and  Robert. 

Though  it  was  within  this  hour  we  met, 

I  have  dreamed  of  such  a  face  as  thine, 
Dreams  I  love  to  think  of  even  yet 

When  I  held  thy  little  hand  in  mine- 
To  wake  was  for  that  dreamland  face  to  pine. 

Dreams  we  must  by  contraries  divine. 

Will  that  dream  come  true  ? 
No,  no. 

Let  me  dream  anew. 
Not  so. 

Who  knows  what  fate 

May  thee  await, 
If  thy  constancy  time  and  distance  prove. 

This  hand  of  mine 

May  yet  be  thine 
If  fidelity  dvvelleth  with  thy  love. 

Long,  long  ago, 

Some  time,  I  know. 
In  dreamland  fair  we  met. 

It  may  be  so,  but  I  forget. 

I  needs  must  own 

That  thou  alone 
Art  to  me  more  than  all  beside. 

What  joy  to  hear 

Those  words  so  dear. 
Love  ever  will  be  our  guide. 

Come  dieam  so  bright, 

My  heart  delight. 

Dreaming  anew, 

I  find  'tis  true. 

Fair  dost  thou  seem, 

Beautiful  dream. 

At  last  I  see  thee. 

My  dream  has  come  true. 


Robert. 


Marian. 


Robert. 


Both. 


12 


( They  exit.      The  Sheriff  and   Sir  Guy  enter  attended  hy  guards,   foresters 
and  villagers.) 

Song.      The  Sheriff. 
I  am  the  Sheriff  of  Nottingham, 

My  eye  is  like  an  eagle's  ; 
So  sly  and  clever — in  fact  I  am 

One  of  the  law's  best  beagles. 

I'm  a  genius  quite. 
Guy.  He's  a  wonderful  wight. 

Sheriff.  I'm  considered  remarkably  bright. 

If  anyone  fractures  the  slightest  law, 

With  a  glance  I  can  fill  him  with  panic  awe. 
All.  Bow  low  ! 

Guy.  Bow  lowly  as  you  can. 

All  Bow  low  ! 

Sheriff,  You  should  to  such  a  man. 

You  may  search  for  aye 

But  you  never  will  descry 

Such  a  wondrous  Sheriff  as  I. 

Such  a  brain 

All.  He  makes  no  error. 

Sheriff.  Such  an  eye 

All,  It  striketh  terror. 

Sheriff.  I've  a  seething  brain  that  can  never  go  astray. 

I  am  sure  to  be  right  alway  ; 

Such  a  Sheriff  bold  as  you  behold 

You  don't  see  ev'ry  day. 

I  never  yet  made  a  mistake, 

I'd  like  to  for  variety's  sake. 

In  short,  infallible  I  am, 

The  Sheriff  of  Nottingham. 
All.  He  never  yet  made  a  mistake,  etc. 

Sheriff.  The  merry  Sheriff  of  Nottingham, 

Is  always  right  and  lawful  ; 

If  anyone  hints  he's  a  sham. 
His  punishment  is  awful. 

I  put  him  in  jail. 
Gtty.  He  refuses  all  bail. 

Sheriff.  'Tis  an  argument  ne'er  known  to  fail  ; 

If  any  plebeian  my  greatness  mocks, 

I  answer  by  putting  him  in  the  stocks. 
All,  Bow  low  I 

Guy,  Bow  lowly  as  you  can,  etc. 

( The  chorus  exit.) 


13 

Sheriff.  All  is  well  now,  friend  Guy.  I  have  evidence  enough  to  send  all 
these  outlaws  to  the  gallows.  A  letter  that  I  found  in  the  pocket  of 
that  homespun  coat  I  bought  at  the  auction,  proves  that  it  was  sent  by 
one  Dame  Burden  to  her  husband  at  the  Crusades.  The  messenger 
must  have  been  robbed  by  Little  John's  band.  What  do  you  think  of 
that  for  a  piece  of  detective  work  '     I  fancy  it  was  rather  clever  of  me. 

Guy.  Oh,  I  wish  I  had  half  your  acuteness.  I  wish  you  would  lend  me 
your  eagle  eye  for  a  few  days. 

Sheriff.     Patience,  good  Guy.     At  present  you  are  a  simple  country  lout. 

Guy.     Quite  right  ;  so  I  am. 

Sheriff.  When  you  are  a  peer  of  England,  you  can  be  as  loutish  as  you 
please. 

Guy.     A  peer  of  England  !    Oh,  I  would  do  anything  to  be  a  peer  of  England. 

Sheriff.     Leave  it  all  to  me,  and  you  shall  be  the  Earl  of  Huntington. 

Guy.     The  Earl  of  Huntington  !     Why,  there  is  one  already. 

Sheriff.  True,  there  is  a  person  who  thinks  he  is  the  Earl.  He  comes  of 
age  to-day.  He  has  a  fortune  of  a  hundred  thousand  crowns,  which  I 
must  deliver  to  him  to-day.  Now,  if  I  should  make  you  Earl  of  Hunt- 
ington, friend  Guy,  you  would  be  satisfied  with  fifty  thousand  crowns, 
wouldn  t  you  ? 

Guy.  Yes  ;  or  twenty-five.  Why,  I  would  be  Earl  of  Huntington  for  my 
board  and  lodging. 

Sheriff.  (Aside.)  Well,  then,  if  friend  Guy  is  satisfied  with  twenty-five,  I 
can  worry  along  on  seventy- five.  Now,  I  fancy  that  was  rather  clever 
of  me.  Now  I  want  you  to  marry  my  ward,  Lady  Marian  Fitzwalter — 
— nice  girl — rich,  too. 

Guy.     I  would  even  do  that  to  be  a  peer. 

Sheriff.  And  I  suppose  you  would  be  satisfied  with  a  dowry  of  ten  thou- 
sand crowns  ;  wouldn't  you,  friend  Guy  ? 

Guy  {doubtfully).      How  beautiful  is  she? 

Sheriff.     Oh,  her  beauty  shames  the  noon-day  sun. 

Guy.  Why,  I  would  marry  a  young  woman  whose  beauty  shames  the  noon- 
day sun  for  almost  nothing. 

Sheriff.     So  it  is  all  arranged.     I  make  you  the  Earl  of  Huntington,  and 

you   get   twenty-five    thousand    crowns.     (Aside.)     I    get  seventy-five. 

(To    Guy.)     You   marry   Lady   Marian  and  get  ten   thousand   crowns' 

dowry  with  her.     (Aside.)     I  get  ninety  thousand.     Now  I  fancy  that's 

.  very  clever  of  me. 

Guy.     Oh,  how  can  I  ever  thank  you  ? 

Sheriff.     (Aside.)     Now,  that's  what  comes  of  having  an  eagle  eye. 

(Marian  enters  dressed  as  a  dairy  maid.  She  crosses  to  the  dairy  booth  unseen 
by  Guy  or  the  Sheriff.) 

Guy.  But  stop  a  minute.  You  say  I  am  a  simple  country  lout,  and  I  have 
no   doubt  you  are   right.     Now,  it's  just   possible  that  this  lady  whose 


14 


beauty  shames  the  noon-day  sun  may  not  fall  in  love  with  me  at  first 

sight. 
Sheriff.     Wait  a  bit.      My  surging   brain   is  a'vveary.      I   must  have  some 

refreshment.     Aha,  there   is  a  dairy-maid.     She  can  give  me  a  glass  of 

new-laid  milk.     {Goes  to  the  booth.)     My  dear,  a  glass  of  milk. 
Marian.     For  two  ? 

Sheriff.     No  ;  for  one.     This  young  man  has  reformed. 
Alarian.      Here  you  are,  sir. 

Sheriff.     Your  health,  my  dear.     Nice  girl — very. 
Guy.     Come,  answer  my  question,  Master  Sheriff.     How  am  I   to  win  the 

heart  of  this  Lady  Marian  with  the  ten  thousand  crowns  ? 
Sheriff.     Come,  I    will  give   you  a  lesson.     You  can  practice  on  yon  little 

dairy-maid. 
Guy.     But  is  it  proper  for  me — a  future  peer  of  England— to  waste  my  time 

on  that  sort  of  people  ? 
Sheriff.     Tut  !  tut  !  that  sort  of   people   frequently  waste  time  upon  peers 

of  England. 
Guy.     Very  well  ;  if  you  say  so,  I  will  do  the  best  I  can.     Only  you  must 

freely  criticise  me. 
Sheriff.     Criticise  you,  my  boy  ;   I'll  show  you  how  it's  all  done. 


Trio.     Marian,  Sheriff  and  Gu 


Sheriff.  When  a  peer  makes  love  to  a  damsel  fair. 

Before  he  begins  to  make  his  confession. 
He  stands  statuesquely  to  make  an  impression 
Well,  something  like  this  is  the  proper  air. 

Do  you  think  you  could  do  like  that,  my  lad  ? 
That's  very  nice — pretty  well — not  bad. 

Guy.  I'll  follow  your  suggestion. 

And  I'll  ask  the  fateful  question. 
Marian.  {Churning.)     Churning,  churning. 

All  the  live-long  day  ; 
Earning,  earning 

Wherewithal  to  pay, 

For  a  gown  of  satin  rare, 

For  a  ribbon  for  my  hair  ; 

Colin  surely  will  declare 

He  will  love  for  aye. 

Guy.  Though  like  a  peer  I've  stood  and  acted, 

The  damsel's  thoughts  seem  quite  distracted. 

Sheriff.  Oh,  those  are  the  means  that  the  maids  employ  ; 

Before  one  begins  to  yield  to  his  pleading 
She  has  to  pretend  that  she  gives  little  heeding. 


She  does  this  kind  of  thing — with  a  mien  so  coy  ; 
Do  not  mind  little  things  like  this,  my  boy. 
That's  what  they  do  when  they  think  they're  coy. 
Repeat  now  after  me. 
{^Sheriff  sings  and  Gity  repeats  each  phrase.) 
Sweetheart,  my  own  sweetheart, 

Lift  up  thy  bonny  eyes, 
And  bid  with  love's  fond  art 

My  drooping  spirits  rise  ; 
Behold  a  peer  who  kneels 

Upon  his  peerless  knee,  {Both  kneel^ 

And  who  distinctly  feels 
A  fiery  fiame  for  thee. 
Well,  if  for  love  of  me  you  burn, 

Suppose  you  help  me  churn. 
{Aside  to  Guy.)  Consent. 

Of  course. 
I'll  illustrate  the  art 
By  which  to  win  her  heart. 
This  is  the  way  to  kneel ; 
It  is  the  height  of  grace. 
How  very  dreary. 
'Tis  thus  you  try  to  steal 
A  miniature  embrace.  {Illustrates.) 

He  makes  me  weary. 
When  you  your  love  unfold, 
Smile  pensively  this  wise. 

Oh,  very  fine  indeed  ! 
Hands  o'er  your  heart  you  hold. 
And  wildly  roll  your  eyes. 

Such  tactics  must  succeed. 
Burning,  yearning 
All  the  live-long  day  ; 

Learning,  learning 
Love's  perplexing  way. 

Love  is  darkest  of  despair. 
Love  is  radiance  most  rare  ; 
Love  is  solace  or  a  care. 
Changeable  for  aye. 

{All  exit.  Outlaws'  horns  heard  at  a  distance.  Robert,  Little  John,  Scarlet, 
Allan-a-Dale,  Outlaws,  Dame  Dtirden,  Annabel  and  Villagers  enter.) 

Dame.     And  who  has  won  the  prize,  good  masters  ? 

Little  J.  Who,  but  young  Robert  of  Huntington  ?  O,  what  a  pity  he  is 
not  one  of  us. 


Marian. 

Sheriff. 

Guy. 

Sheriff. 


Marian. 
Sheriff. 


Marian. 
Sheriff-. 


Marian 
Sheriff. 


Marian. 
All. 


16 

Allan.     But  nobody  should  grudge  him  his  good  luck.      He  made  a  bull's 

eye  at  every  shot. 
Robert.     Yes,  fortune  is  kind  to  me  to-day.     It  is  on  this  day  that  I  come 

into  my  title  and  estates. 
Little  J.     And  who  is  the  custodian  of  your  property  ? 
Robert.     The  Lord   High  Sheriff   of    Nottingham.      In   the   absence  of  the 

King  at  the  Crusades,  this  Sheriff's  power  is  absolute  ;  but  I  shall  make 

a  demand  on  him  at  once,  and,  as  I  am  of  age  to-day,    I  do  not  think 

he  dare  refuse. 
Little  J.     Refuse  ?     Let  him  try  it.     We'll  stand  by  you  ;  won't  we,  boys  ? 
All.     Hurrah  ! 
Robert.     Come,  then.     Let's  have  him  out,  and  as  soon  as  I  get  possession 

of  my  fortune  you  shall  all  make  merry  at  my  expense. 
Friar  T.     Ah,  that's  the  kind  of  a  nobleman  for  you.     And  we're  to   make 

merry  at  his  expense.     A  cheer  for  him. 
All.     Hurrah  ! 
{Robert  goes  to  the  door  of  the  Sheriff's  house  and  knocks  at  the  door  with  the 

large  iron  knocker. ) 

Finale. 
Robert.  What  ho  !     Within  there  ! 

All.  Within  there  !     What  ho  ! 

Robert.  For  you,  Lord  Sheriff,  we  await. 

So  of  our  call  be  heedful  ; 
Produce  my  title  and  estate. 

Produce  the  cash  so  needful. 
{Rapping  on  the  door.)  Rat-tat-tat-tat.      You  hear  me  rap. 

Now  come  and  join  us  soon,  old  chap. 
All.  Rat-tat-tat-tat.     You  hear  us  rap — etc. 

{The  Sheriff,  Guy  and  Marian  enter.) 
Sheriff.  Come,  come.     What  means  this  din  so  loud  ? 

Disperse,  disperse,  you  noisy  crowd. 
All.  Disperse  ?     Ho,  ho. 

Women.  Disperse  ?     Oh,  no. 

Little  J.  A  business  errand  brings  us  here  ; 

And  so  forbear  that  haughty  sneer. 
Scarlet.  Just  hearken  to  our  friend's  recital, 

And  then  confer  on  him  his  title. 
Robert.  Declare  me  now  as  Earl. 

Sheriff.  No  Earl  are  you,  in  sooth. 

You  vain,  presumptuous  youth. 
Sheriff.     {Speaking  through  music.)     I  find  that  by  your   father's   will    you 

are  not  in  it. 
Robert.     Disinherited  ? 
All.     Disinherited  ? 


17 

Sheriff.     Before  you  were  born  your  father  was  secretly  married  to  a  young 
peasant  girl,  who  died  when    the    Earl's    first    child    was    born.       That 
first  born  was  reared  by  me      Behold  him,  the  rightful  Earl  of    Hunt- 
ington {aUlangh  derisively),  as  these  documents  fully  prove. 
Sheriff.  This  statement's  true.     You  cannot  move  it  ; 

Here  are  the  documents  to  prove  it. 
Robert.  This  is  some  trick  mendacious. 

Sheriff.  Not  so  ;  it  is  veracious. 

Guy.  Of  course  I  am  the  real  Earl. 

Sheriff.  Those  papers  prove  his  title  quite. 

(Aside).        I  made  them  all  and  know  they're  right. 
Marian  (who  holds  the  order  of  the  Kiug  J  or   her   marriage  to  the  Earl  of 
Huntington. ) 

If  this  young  churl  uncouth, 
Is  Huntington  in  truth, 
I  will  suppress  the  King's  command  ; 
I'll  not  accept  his  hand. 
(She  hides  the  order  of  the  King  in  her  sun-bonnet .) 
Robert.     Traitor  !     In  the  absence  of  the  King  your  will  is  law  !     But  when 

he  returns  from  the  Crusades.  I  know  that  he  will  see  justice  done. 
Little  J.  And  now,  friend  Robert,  take  your  bow  of  yew  ; 

Come  to  old  Sherwood  ;  join  our  jolly  crew, 
Instead  of  Earl,  a  monarch  you  shall  be  ; 
The  king  of  forest  rovers,  subjects  free. 
Robert.  I  take  you  at  your  word.     Your  hand — 

Right  gladly  will  I  join  your  band. 
Outlaws.  Come  !  away  ' 

We  are  most  joyful  this  to  see  ; 
'Tis  plain  an  outlaw  he  will  be. 
Robert.  Farewell  until  we  meet  again.     (  To  Marian.) 

Farewell  to  thee  ; 

Farewell.     Although  a  king  I  reign  ; 
Faithful  I'll  be. 
All.  Then  away  let  us  go  to  the  forest  free  and  fair. 

There  a  king  you  may  be,  and  a  king  who  has  not  a  care. 
Come  away  '     Come  away  !     For  life  is  merry  there. 
{Robert  takes  leave  of  Marian,  and  is  carried  off  on  the  shoulders  of  several  of 
the  outlaws,  who  march  off  in  procession,   headed  by  Little  John,    Friar 
Tuck,   Will  Scarlet  and  Allan.      Curtain.) 


End  of  Act  I. 


w 


ACT    II. 

Scene. — A  hunter  s  lodge  kept  by  Dante  Durden  on  the  borders  of  Sherwood 
Forest.  Little  John,  Scarlet  and  Allan-a-Dale  discovered  playing  at  skittles. 
Friar  Tuck  is  superintending  the  cooking.  Outlaws  discovered  grouped 
about  the  stage,  variously  occupied.      Time,  early  evening. 


Tenors. 
Basses. 


Choris. 

Oh,  cheerily  soundeth  the  huntsman's  horn  ! 

Its  clarion  blast  so  fine 
Through  deeps  of  old  Sherwood  is  clearly  borne  ; 
We  hear  it  at  eve  and  at  break  of  morn  ; 

Of  Robin  Hood's  band  the  sign. 

A'hunting  we  will  go  ; 

(Tra-ra-ra,  tra-ra.)         {Imitating  horns.) 
And  chase  the  hart  and  roe  ; 

(Tra-ra-ra,  tra-ra.) 
O,  where  is  band  so  jolly 

As  Robin's  band  all  in  Lincoln  green  ? 
Their  life  is  pleasant  folly  ; 

None's  ever  so  gay,  I  ween. 

A  tailor  there  dwelt  near  old  Sherwood's  edge, 

Who  was  deft  with  an  old  cross-bow  ; 
One  day,  as  he  sat  on  his  window  ledge, 

That  way  came  a  jet  black  crow. 
He  perched  on  an  oak  and  to  caw  began — 
One  could  hear  him  a'near  and  far  : 
"  It  takes  nine  tailors  to  make  a  man  ; 
A  ninth  of  a  man,  sir,  you  are." 
"  It  takes  nine  tailors" — etc. 
"Caw,  caw,  caw" — etc. 

The  tailor,  he  waxed  exceeding  fierce, 

Crying  :  "  Wife,  bring  my  old  crossbow." 
And  a  cloth  yard  shaft  he  dispatched  to  pierce 

The  heart  of  that  jet  black  crow. 
But  he  killed  his  fav'rite  pig  as  it  ran. 

While  the  crow  screamed  and  flew  afar  : 
"  It  takes  nine  tailors  to  make  a  man  ; 

A  ninth  of  a  man,  sir,  vou  a,re. " 


19 

Tenors.  \  "It  takes  nine  tailors" — etc. 

Basses.   S  ''  Caw.  caw,  caw,  caw" — etc. 

{Annabel  enters  from  the  lodge.) 
Little  J.     A  jolly  good   song  and  jolly  well  sung.     Come,  sweet  Annabel, 

fill  me  a  tankard  of  that  brown,  October  ale.     {Annabel  presents  him 

with  a  tankard  which  she  has  filled  at  the  cask.)     Here's  to  your  bonny 

black  eyes,  my  dear. 
Allan.     Come  away  from  him,  Annabel      You  are  getting  so  that  you  flirt 

with  every  man  that  comes  to  the  lodge.      It  is  intolerable. 
Annabel.     And  you  are  getting  so  that  I  believe  you  would  be  jealous  of  a 

marble  statue.     {A  II  la  ugh . ) 

{Horn  outside.) 
Scarlet.     That  must  be  our  captain. 
Little  J.     Yes  !     That  is  his  trumpet. 
Friar  T.  {ruho  has  been  cooking  the  soup).     And  he  is  just  in  time,  for  the 

soup  is  all  ready.     {Outlaws  cheer  ) 

{Robin  enters  -with  a  deer.) 
Little  J.     Welcome.  Captain  !     As  usual,  you  do  not  return  empty-handed. 
Robin.     No  fear  of  that  while  the   King's   preserves  are  so  well  stocked. 

Sweet  Annabel,  may  I  crave  a  bumper  of  humming  ale   from   your  fair 

hands  ? 
Annabel.      Here  it  is,  all  ready  for  you,  brave  Robin. 
Robin.     And  here's  a  kiss  for  your  courtesy      {Kisses  her.) 
Allan.     Will  you  never  leave  off  making  love   to  every  new-comer?     Do 

you  think  men  were  made  for  you  to  kiss  ? 
Annabel.     Partly  for  that,  I'm  sure. 

Robin.     What,  Allan  ;  are  you  jealous  of  Annabel  again  ?    Nonsense,  man  ! 
Allan.     It  may  be  nonsense,  but  Annabel  is  a  sad  coquette,  and   I  love   her 

so  that  she  keeps  my  temper  at  white  heat. 
Robin.     My  regard  for  her  is  purely  Platonic,  and  just  to   prove   it,  lovely 

Annabel,  I  will  come  to  your  window  at  moonrise  this  evening,  and 

sing  you  a  purely  Platonic  serenade. 
Annabel.     And  I  will  open  ir\y  lattice  to  listen  with  all  the  pleasure  in  life. 
Allan.     And  if  you  do,  all  is  over  between  us. 
Annabel.     It's  little    I  care  for  that.    Master    Allan.     Come   as    you   say, 

Master  Robin — just  to  plague  this  jealous  fellow. 
Robin.     Not  I.     I  will  come  to  please  myself,  not  to  plague  him. 
Allan.     You  might  not  be  so  much  at  ease  if  you  knew  that  the  Sheriff  of 

Nottingham  had  set  forth  with  a  party  of  foresters  sworn  to  capture  the 

outlaw,  Robin  Hood. 
Robin.     Perhaps  ;  but  the  Sheriff  does   not  know  that  the  outlaw,   Robin 

Hood,  and  the  rightful  Earl  of  Huntington,  are  one  and   the  same  per 

son.     He  thinks  that  I  have  gone  to   the  Crusades  and  have  peacefully 

yielded  up  my  birthright. 


20 


Little  J.     I  knew  that  such  a  merry  fellow  as  you  would  be  happier  with  us. 

Robin.     Happy  ?     Yes,  I  am  happy,  except 

Little  J.     Excepting  when   you   think  of  the   Lady  .Marian,  eh?     Take  my 

advice,  man,  and  don't  waste  a  thought  on  her. 
Friar  T.      Banish   thoughts  of    love,  Captain,   and    join   me   in   the  soup. 

{All  laugh.) 
Little  J.      Ho  !  draw  a  mug  of  yonder  nappy  ale.      When  an  outlaw  prates 

of  love  and  such-like  evils,  there's  but  one  remedy — a  flagon  of  brown, 

October  ale.     Sing   the   praises   of  bright  eyes    and   ruddy  lips,  an  ye 

will.      I  sing  the  praise  of  ale. 

The  Song  of  Brown,  October  Ai.e. 


Little  John.  And  it's  will  ye  quaff  with  me,  my  lads, 

And  it's  will  ye  quaff  with  me  ? 
It  is  a  draught  of  nut-brown  ale 

I  offer  unto  ye. 
All  humming  in  the  tankard,  lad?. 

It  cheers  the  heart  forlorn  ; 
Oh,  here's  a  friend  to  ev'ryone — 

'Tis  stout  John  Barleycorn. 

Chorus.  So  laugh,  lads,  and  quaff,  lads  ; 

'Twill  make  you  stout  and  hale  ; 
Through  all  my  days,  I'll  sing  the  praise 

Of  brown,  October  ale. 
Now,  tapster,  if  in  me  you'd  win 

A  friend  who  will  not  fail. 
Fill  up  once  more  the  cannikin 

With  brown,  October  ale. 


Little  John. 


Chorus. 


And  it's  will  you  love  me  true,  my  lass. 

And  it's  will  you  love  me  true  ? 
If  not,  I'll  drink  one  flagon  more, 

And  so  farewell  to  you. 
If  Joan  or  Moll,  or  Nan  or  Doll 

Should  make  your  heart  to  mourn, 
I'll  give  a  friend  who  will  be  stanch — 

'Tis  rare  John  Barleycorn. 

So  laugh,  lads,  and  quaff,  lads. 

While  flagons  do  not  fail. 
We'll  happy  be  with  three  times  three 

Of  brown,  October  ale. 


Now,  you,  good  wife,  and  you,  good  man, 

Let  not  your  mirth  grow  stale  ; 
But  round  we'll  pass  the  clinking  can 
Of  brown,  October  ale. 
Little  John.     By  my  troth,  Robin,  the  cask  is  empty.      I'll  challenge  you  to 

shoot  for  a  new  one. 
Robin.     I'm  your  man. 
Friar  T.     And  I'll  be  the  umpire       Come  on       {Exit  all  singing  re/rain.) 

Enter  Allan,  K.  3. 
Allan-a-Dak.     Oh,  my  sweet  little  Annabel.     If  you  would  only  promise  to 
be  faithful  to  your  Allan,  and  assure  me  of  your  trust  and  constancy, 
how  happy  I  should  be  ! 

Song. 

Oh,   Promise  Me. 
1. 
Oh,  promise  me  that  some  day  you  and  I 

Will  take  our  love  together  to  some  sky 
Where  we  can  be  alone,  and  faith  renew. 

And  find  the  hollows  where  those  flowers  grew. 
The  first  sweet  violets  of  early  spring, 

That  come  in  whispers,  fill  our  thoughts. 
And  sing  of  love  unspeakable  that  is  to  be. 

Oh,  promise  me,  oh,  promise  me. 


Oh,  promise  me  that  you  will  take  my  hand. 
The  most  unworthy  in  this  lonely  land, 
And  let  me  sit  beside  you — 

In  your  eyes  behold  the  vision  of  a  paradise. 
Hearing  God's  message,  while  the  organ  peals 

Its  mighty  music  to  my  very  soul. 
No  love  less  perfect  than  a  life  with  thee. 
Oh,  promise  me.  oh,  promise  me. 
(^The  Sheriff  enters  with   Guy  and  six  journeymen  tinkers.^ 
Sheriff.     Here  we  are   on  the  borders  of  Sherwood   Forest,  where   Robin 
Hood  commits  his  fearful  crimes.     {Sir  Guy  trembles  violently.)     What 
is  the  matter  with  the  Earl  of  Huntington  ?     If  you   tremble   like  that 
you'll  shake  down  some  of  these  trees      You  seem  to  think   you   have 
got  to  be  shaken  before  Robin  is  taken. 
Guy.     I'm  not  afraid  of  outlaws,  but  I  don't  believe  in  going  up  to  them 

and  asking  them  to  cut  your  throat  as  a  personal  favor. 
Sheriff.     Sir  Guy,  I'm  afraid   you've   lost  confidence  in   the  massive  brain 
that  has  brought  you  to  your  present  rank  — ]ust  now  you  are  as  rank 
as  anybody,  and   all    because  I  fi.\ed    it   for  you.     Marian   has  fled  to 


22 

Sherwood  Forest.  If  we  don't  find  her  you  can't  get  that  ten  thousand 
crowns,  and  1  can't  get  the  ninety  thousand.  The  King  has  commanded 
her  to  marry  the  Earl  of  Huntington — that  s  you.  You  stick  to  me,  and 
you  will  wallow  in  diamonds. 

Guy.     But  think  of  Robin  Hood.      Br-r-r-r  {ti  ciiibles). 

Sheriff  {imitating  him)      What  are  you  doing  that  for  ? 

Guy  {trembling).  I  am  quaking  at  the  dread  name  of  Robin  Hood.  They 
say  he  sticks  at  nothing 

Sheriff.  I  don't  care  if  he  sticks  at  everything  Robin  Hood  never  robs 
from  the  poor— sensible  man  ;  they  have  nothing  worth  taking.  As 
journeymen  tinkers  we  are  too  poor  to  attract  his  attention.  Perhaps 
we  will  get  a  chance  to  capture  this  Robin,  whoever  he  may  be.  You 
seem  to  forget  that  I  have  my  eagle  eye  with  me. 

Guy.     Which  is  your  eagle  eye  ? 

Sheriff.  The  left — and  there's  no  hypermetropic  blendicular  conjunctivitis 
about  it.  Trust  to  my  colossal  intellect,  friend  Guy,  and  we  will  not 
only  bring  Marian  back  so  you  can  marry  her,  but  we  will  hang  Robin 
on  a  highly  ornate  and  commodious  gallows. 

Gtiy.  Yes  ;  but  if  we  are  journeymen  tinkers,  we  had  better  attend  to 
business. 

Sheriff.  True,  we  must  keep  up  our  characters.  Who  knows  but  Robin 
Hood  may  be  in  this  very  lodge.  Come,  to  work,  my  honest  jour- 
neymen, and,  like  all  true  craftsmen,  beguile  your  toil  with  blithe 
roundelay. 

Tinker's  Song. 

'Tis  merry  journeymen  we  are, 

All  in  the  tinkering  line,  sirs  : 
We  tramp  the  roadways  near  and  far, 

If  weather  it  be  fine,  sirs. 
And  if  so  be  some  churlish  lout 

Should  make  us  surly  answers, 
We  straightway  drown  his  utterance  out 
By  tapping  on  our  pans,  sirs. 
Then  we  rap,  rap,  rap, 
And  we  tap,  tap,  tap. 
From  the  dawn  till  the  dark  of  night,  sirs  ; 
We  are  men  of  mettle. 
And  the  can  or  kettle 
Doesn't  live  that  we  can't  set  right,  sirs. 

Tink  tank,  clink  clank — 
Hear  our  hammers  ring  ; 
When  trade  is  brisk 
We  frolic  and  we  frisk 
As  happy  and  gay  as  a  king. 


23 


Your  tinker  is  a  blithesome  blade, 

A  cheerful  soul  I  wot,  sirs  ; 
And  gin  enow  he  be  not  paid. 

He  thieves  what  you  have  got,  sirs. 
He  tells  the  news  from  town  to  town, 

The  tiue  news  and  the  lie,  sirs  ; 
You'll  search  the  whole  world  up  and  down 

And  find  no  wight  so  sly,  sirs. 
O  we  rap,  rap,  rap — etc. 

{^Kobin,  Little  John,  Friar  Tuck,  Scarlet  and  Annabel  enter.  Annabel  sert'cs 
ale  to  the  Sheriff.) 

Friar  T.  Don't  run  so  fast  down  hill.  Come  ;  what  say  you  to  a  game 
of  skittles  ? 

Little  J.     I'll  lay  you  a  stoup  of  sack  that  I  can  beat  you,  my  iat  friar. 

Scarlet.  How  now.  thou  roystering  boaster  !  I'll  cast  a  bowl  with  you 
right  willingly.     Now,  what  say  you  to  this?     {Bo-<c'ls) 

Friar  T.     All  down,  but  seven  ! 

Sheriff.  I  wonder  who  these  rapscallions  are.  Do  you  know  these  noisy 
wights,  sweet  damsel  ? 

Annabel.  {Aside.)  I  must  not  betray  such  good  customers.  {To  the  Sheriff.) 
Know  them  ?     Ay,  marry. 

Sheriff'.     Oh,  you  marry,  do  you  ?     Which  one  ? 

Annabel.  Methinks  they  are  a  party  of  yeomen  sent  by  the  King  to  cap- 
ture Robin  Hood. 

Sheriff.  {Slightly  tipsy.)  Bah  !  What  can  yeomen  do  ?  They  lack  shrewd- 
ness, sagacious-ness-ness  ;  eagle-eye  tiveness.  They  have  not  an  eagle 
eye  to  their  backs. 

Annabel.  {Aside  to  Hobin.)  Beware,  brave  Robin,  or  you  will  not  sing 
that  serenade  to  me  this  night.  Yonder  fellow  is  the  Sheriff  of  Not- 
tingham come  to  capture  you. 

Jiobin  and  the  Otitlaws.     {Aside.)     The  Sheriff  ! 

Little  J.  {To  the  Sheriff.)  Look  ye,  my  lusty  tinkers,  have  you  heard  the 
sad  news  from  Banbury  ? 

Sheriff  {maudlin).  Sad  news  from  Cranberry  ?  What's  the  sad  news  ?  Tell 
me,  for  I  am  a  tinker  by  trade  and  as  greedy  for  news  as  a  priest  is 
for  farthings, 

Scarlet.  Yes  ;  it  is  said  that  two  tinkers  have  been  placed  in  the  stocks  for 
drinking  small  beer. 

Sheriff.  A  plague  on  thy  news,  thou  scurvy  loon.  Thou  speakest  ill  of 
my  trade. 

Little  J.  But  the  sad  news  is,  there  are  but  two  tinkers  in  the  stocks,  the 
others  still  roam  the  country. 

Sheriff.  Now,  by  the  pewter  platter  of  Saint  Dunstan,  I've  a  mind  to  baste 
thine  hide  for  that  ill-mannered  jest. 


24 

Robifi.  Tut,  tut,  jolly  menders  of  kettles.  You  see  we  are  four  stout  yeo- 
men to  two  tinkers  ;  so  for  our  own  sakes  let  us  not  fall  to  cracking 
crowns. 

Friar  T.     No,  but  fall  to  cracking  jests  over  a  stoup  of  sack. 

Little  J.     Ho,  my  sweet  Annabel.      Bring  us  to  drink. 

Sheriff.  I  do  love  you  as  brothers  all,  else  would  1  not  waste  lime  with  ye  : 
for  I  am  a  sly  dog,  and  I  have  in  my  pocket  a  warrant  for  that  villain- 
ous outlaw,  Robin  Hood. 

Little  J.     Thou  hast  a  warrant  ? 

Sheriff.     Ay,  here  in  this  pouch. 

Guy.  Yes  ;  and  we  seek  also  the  Lady  Marian  Fitzwalter,  who  is  ordered 
by  the  King  to  marry  the  Earl  of  Huntington — that  is  I. 

Robin.     Lady  Marian  to  marry  you  ? 

Little  J.  {Aside.)  Tut,  tut  !  I  will  attend  to  this.  (  7V  the  Sheriff)  And 
where  is  this  fair  dame  ? 

Sheriff.     Troth,  she  has  fled  from  home  and  gone  we  know  not  whither. 

Robin.  {Aside.)  Can  she  have  come  to  the  forest  to  join  me  ?  {Returns  to 
the  table.) 

Sheriff.  My  first  business  must  be  to  serve  this  warrant  upon  Robin  Hood. 
An'  he  mind  it  not  I  will  cudgel  him  till  every  one  of  his  bones  cries 
out  amen.     But  mayhap  some  of  ye  know  this  Robin, 

Little  J.     Know  him  ?     Not  we,  indeed  !     But  drink,  man  ,  drink. 

{Little  John  makes  the  Sheriff  drink  and  pretends  to  drink  liiinself.  The 
other  outlaws  pretend  to  drink  and  laut^lt  aside  at  the  Sheriff",) 

Friar  T.     {To  Guj'.)     Drink,  sweet  youth  ;  drink. 

Sheriff.  {Drinking:)  I'll  catch  this  vagabond  Robin  and  hang  him  on  the 
highest  gallows  in  merry   England. 

Robin.     {Aside.)     The  old  villain  ! 

Scarlet.     Here's  a  health  to  you,  my  fine  fellow. 

{Sheriff  drinks.      Scarlet  pretends  to  drink  and  throws  the  ale  on  the  i^round.) 

Little  J.     But,  tinker,  they  say  this  Robin  Hood  is  a  sly  thief. 
Shei-iff.     What  do  I  care  ?     So  am  I — I  mean  I'm  sly. 
Little  J.     You  had  better  watch  your  warrant  closely,  or  he  may  steal  it. 
{Little  John  takes  the  warrant   from  the   Sheriff's  pouch.) 

Sheriff.     Steal  it  ?  Ho,  ho  '  That's  a  joke.     Steal  from  me  ?    Let  him  try  it. 

Little  J,     He'd  only  have  to  try  it  ;  wouldn't  he?  Ho,  ho,  ho  '    {All  laugh.) 

Sheriff.     Oh,  if  I  only  had  him  here    man  to  man. 

Little  J.     He'd  show  you  ;  wouldn't  he  ? 

Guy.     But  what  manner  of  man  is   Robin   Hood  ? 

Robin.     I  saw  him  once.     He  is  much  such  a  man  as  I. 

Little  J.     {Aside.)     Take  care.     You  will  betray  yourself. 

Sheriff.     Egad  !     I  thought  him  a  bearded  and   blear-eyed  ruffian  ;    but  if 

he  be  a  young  churl  like  you,   so   much  the  easier  task  to  crack  his 

knave's  pate. 


25 

Robin,     What  say  you  ? 

Scarlet.  {Aside.)     Hold,  Robin,  be  patient  with  the  villain. 

Robin.     Perchance,  master  tinker,   this  Robin  is  a  deft  hand  with  a  cudgel. 

Sheriff.     Deft  he  may  be  ;  but  I  am  defter. 

Little  /.     Then  quaff  another  tankard. 

Sheriff.     Not  I  ;  always  know  when  to  stop.     {He  is  the  worse  for  liquor.) 

I  must  keep  my  eagle  eye  and  my  immense  brain  in    good  working 

order.     Not  another  drop. 
Scarlet.     {To  Guy.)     Have  a  round  with  me,  young  friend? 
Guy.     No  more  ;  I  must  keep  perfectly  straight. 
Sheriff.     { Trying  to  rise  with  dignity  )     I  am  afraid  I  have  taken  about  a 

teaspoonful  too  much. 
Little  J.     Nonsense,   man  !     We  are  getting  jolly  together.     Look  at  me. 

I  am  worse  than  you. 
Friar   T.     1  am  the  worst  of  all  of  ye. 
Sheriff.     So  you  are.      Here,  give  me  another  tankard.     I  allow  no  man  to 

be  worse  than  I  am. 
Little  J.     Why,  master  tinker,  you  are  as  sober  as  a  judge.      How  do  you 

manage  to  do  it  ? 
Sheriff.     Do  it  by — great  eye — eagle  brain.     [Falls  into  the  chair.) 
Friar  T.     And  now,   what  say  all  of  you  to  a  song  ? 
All.     A  song,  a  song  ! 
Sheriff.     Song  ?    I'faith,  in  singing  I  can  beat  you  all.     I  have  the  loudest 

voice  in  all  the  country  round. 
Guy.     I  cant  sing  with  you,  for  I  know  no  songs. 
Friar  T.     Oh,  you  must  all  join  in.     I  have  a  right  jolly  song  here,  writ 

by  myself.     Hearken,  and  keep  your  eyes  upon  these  same  notes. 

{Gives  out  parts  of  a  song  which  he  takes  from  his  pockets.) 

Tranquilo  cum  Friskioso: 
Pastoral  Glee. 

All.  O,  see  the  lambkins  play, 

The  birdlings  pipe  on  every  tree  ; 

The  kids  do  frisk  right  gladsomelie  ; 

And  bleat  the  lambs 

Beside  their  dams, 
They  are  so  full  of  glee. 

Yes,  they  are  full 

They  are  so  full 

They  are  so  full  of  glee. 

Friar  T.  Oh,  dear 

Little  J.  Oh,  dear 

Sheriff.  Oh,  dear 

All.                             Oh,  dear  Aminta,  come  with  me. 
Friar  T.  Oh,  dam 


26 


Sheriff. 

Scarlet. 

All. 

J'riar  7\ 

Sheriff. 

All. 

Friar   T. 

Sheriff. 

All. 


Friar  T. 
Sheriff. 

All. 


Friar  T. 

Scarlet. 

All. 


Oh.  dam 

Oh,  dam 

Oh,  damsel  fair,  spring  is  wintry  without  thee. 
Now  swear 

Now  swear 

Now  swear  I  need  not  doubt  thee. 
Oh,  pay,  my  fair 

Oh,  pay,  my  fair 

Oh,  pay,  my  fair,  this  love  of  mine, 
I  cannot  live  without  thee. 

The  frogs  right  wantonly  do  sing  ; 
The  daffodils  do  bloom  and  spring. 

If  my  Aminta  doth  deny 

To  hear  my  love-lorn  sigh, 

I'll  seek  my  bier 

I'll  seek  my  bier 

I'll  seek  my  lonely  bier  to  die. 
Young  Strephon  loves  her  too  ; 

He  is  so  sly  ; 
So  black  his  eye 

So  black  his  eye 

So  black  is  his  roguish  eye. 
Aminta  hear  and  make  reply, 
Or  bid  me  seek  mv  bier  to  die. 


Sextette. 
Little  J.  When  lads  have  had  enow. 

Song  is  most  meet,  I  trow 
Sheriff  {sleepy  at  the  table).     (Fol-di-riddle,   fol-di-row.) 
Scarlet.  Timid  hearts  braver  are  ; 

Bold  hearts  are  bolder  far. 
She7-iff.  (Fol-di-riddle,  fol-di-row.) 

All.  Ho  then  for  jollity. 

Fun  and  frivolity  ; 
Drink  with  avidity, 
Banish  timidity  ; 
Try  the  experiment, 
'Twill  bring  you  merriment. 
Quaff  with  me. 
Laugh  with  me. 
Jolly  dogs  we. 
{All  dance  off  but  the  Sheriff.      Dame  Durdeii  enters.) 

Dame.     What's  this  ?     All  gone.     And  who  is  to  pay  for  the  six  quarterns 
of  good  malt  liquor  they  had?     Ah  ;  they  have   left   one  of  the  tinkers 


27 

here — the  worse  for  liquor,  too.     Come,  sir  tinker.     You   owe  me  ten 

good  shillings  for  the  ale  you  have  had. 
Sheriff.     What's  that  ?     What's  that  ? 

Dame.     Come  ;  you  are  not  too  drunk  to  pay  me  ten  shillings. 
Sheriff.     I  pay  nothing  !     Great  eye— eagle  brain — never  pay  for  anything. 
Dame.     {Aside.)     If   I   can    find   his  purse,  I  will    pay  myself.      How   now  ! 

He  hath  no  purse.      He  hath  nothing  but  this  letter.      (  Takes  letter  from 

the  Sheriff s pocket.)     Merciful  powers  !  what  do  I  see?     My  letter  ! 
Sheriff.     Letter  !     What  letter  ? 
Dame.     It  is  the  letter  that  I  sent  to  my  husband  at  the  Crusades  ;  and  the 

same  suit  of  homespun.     Can  this  be  gaffer  Durden,  my  own  long-lost 

husband  ?     For  twelve  long  years  I  have  not  seen  you.     The  campaigns 

have  changed  you  sadly,  but  your  figure  and  height  are  the  same.     Oh, 

what  joy  to  see  you  again.     {Embraces  him.) 
Sheriff.     Egad  !     I    seem    to   have  won    the    fancy    of    this    buxom    dame. 

Madam,  I  prithee,  hold  off  and  unhand   me  unless  your  intentions  be 

honorable,  for  I  am  a  discreet  and  prudent  bachelor. 
Dame.     And  do  you  love  me  still,  my  own  hubby? 
Sheriff.     Hubby?     Hubby?     Well,  don't  get  gay  with  hubby. 
Dame.     Certainly.     Are  you  not  my  liege  lord  ? 
Sheriff.     Woman,  aroint  I  and  get  you  gone  !     I  am  liege  lord  to  no  dame  ; 

but  I  am  a  discreet   and   prudent  bachelor.     The  taint  of  scandal  has 

never  bruised  my  fair  'scutcheon. 
Dame.     What,  you  deny  your  own  wife? 
Sheriff.     I  tell  you  I  have  no  wife. 
Dame.     Villain,  after  your  leaving  me  for  twelve  years  ;  after  my  sending 

you  a  suit  of  homespun  every  year,  you  have  the  face  to  deny  me  ? 
Sheriff.     You  have  a  face   that  makes  me  deny  you.     If  you  have  a  grand- 
daughter, I  will  talk  business  ;  but  I  am  not  in  need  of  a  grandmother's 

care. 
Dame.      I  will  appeal  to  the  Sheriff  of  Nottingham.      He  will  put  you  in  the 

stocks. 
Sheriff  {  falling  on    his   knees).     No,  no  !     Anything  but  that  !     Don't  tell 

the   Sheriff.     If  he  should   fix   his   igle  eeye   on    me,  I  would   be   lost. 

The  Noriff  of  Sheringham  is  one  of  the  greatest  men  of  the  age. 
Dame.     One  of  the  greatest  fools  ! 
Sheriff.     What's  that  ?     What's  that  ? 
Dame.     But  he  hath  wit  enow  to  deal  with  you. 
Sheriff.     Now,  my  aged   but  worthy  crone,  do  you  mean   to  say  that  I  am 

married  to  you  ? 
Dame.     Certainly.      Have    I    not    been   a   faithful   wife    to   you    for  twenty 

years  ? 
Sheriff.     Well,  not  that  I  am  aware  of. 
Dame.     Did    I    not  send    you  the  very  clothes  you  wear — made   by  these 

hands  ? 


28 


Sheriff.     These  clothes  ? 

Dame.  To  be  sure.  If  you  deny  that  you  came  by  them  lawfully  you 
must  be  a  thief  ;  so  when  I  drag  you  before  the  Sheriff,  he  will  have 
your  right  hand  cut  off  for  stealing. 

Sheriff.  {Aside.)  I  see.  It's  all  on  account  of  these  clothes  I  bought  at 
auction,  I  must  humor  her,  or  I  will  be  arrested  for  buying  stolen 
goods.  As  Sheriff  it  would  be  my  duty  to  arrest  myself  and  have  my 
right  hand  cut  off  {To  her.)  Ha  !  ha  !  I  was  only  joking  with  you. 
Of  course  you  are  my  wife,  and  a  better  wife  I  don't  remember  ever 
having  married. 

Dame.     Ah,  at  last  he  recognizes  me.     {Embraces  him.) 

Sheriff.  {Aside.)  I  fancy  that  was  rather  clever  of  me.  {To  her.)  Recog- 
nize you  ?     Of  course  I  do.     It's  a  wise  man  that  knows  his  own  wife. 

Dame.  But  come  within  amd  I  will  give  you  something  to  banish  the  effects 
of  drinking  overmuch.  You  shall  have  a  rasher  of  bacon.  You  must 
be  hungry  after  twelve  years. 

Sheriff.  Yes  ;  a  twelve  years'  fast  has  put  an  edge  on  my  appetite. 
{Aside.)  The  old  beldame  thinks  that  I've  had  nothing  to  eat  for 
twelve  years.  Well,  a  fast  of  twelve  years  has  put  an  edge  on  my  appe- 
tite !  Come,  let's  within  and  have  that  basher  of  racon  — I  mean  that 
rasher  of  bacon. 

Dame.     And  you  shall  have  a  steak,  too. 

Sheriff.     A  steak  !     Well,  here  goes  another  martyr  to  the  steak. 

{She  drags  the  Sheriff  into  the  house  R.  Marian  enters  dressed  in  a  hunting 
costume  of  Lincoln  green.) 

Marian.  In  Sherwood  Forest  at  last.  The  Sheriff  insists  upon  my  marriage 
with  Guy  of  Gisbone,  but  it  shall  never  be,  for  I  have  come  to  join 
Robin  Hood  and  his  merry  men. 

Solo.     Marian. 

'Neath  greenwood  trees 
All  Nature  is  at  peace  and  rest ; 
Each  bird  that  warbles  from  its  nest 
Tells  me  of  one  whom  I  love  best. 
Yon  bright  brooklet  gleaming 
With  greeting,  too,  is  teeming. 
Long  have  I  been  dreaming 

Of  the  hour  we  two  should  meet. 

Ye  birds,  in  azure  winging, 
I  thank  you  for  your  singing. 

Tidings  from  my  love  you  bring  afar. 
Ev'ry  blossom  seems  to  tell  me  he  is  true  ; 
His  voice  is  echoed  by  the  streamlet  blue. 


29 

I  seem  to  hear 

My  love's  voice  near, 
Echoed  by  the  breezes  blowing, 
And  the  brooklet  in  its  flowing — 

All  these  voices  say  he  is  near. 
Ye  birds  in  azure  winging, 
I  thank  ye  for  your  singing. 
Yes,  ev'ry  song  that's  ringing 
Is  a  tender  token  bringing 
From  the  one -who  is  nearest,  dearest  ; 

Yes,  they  tell  me  he  is  near. 

{Aunabel  enie7-s  from  tlw  house.') 

Annabel.     Whom  have  we  here  ?     A  new  recruit  for  Robin  Hood's  band  ? 

Marian.  You  have  guessed  the  truth,  my  good  girl.  I  have  come  to  join 
Robin  Hood. 

Annabel.     Oh,  I  suppose  you  are  a  sweetheart  of  his  ? 

Marian.     Certainly  I  am. 

Annabel.     Then  what  right  has  Robin  Hood  to  make  love  to  me  ? 

Marian.     He  makes  love  to  you,  does  he  ?     (Aside.)     Faithless  wretch  ! 

Annabel.  The  most  desperate  love.  This  very  evening  he  promised  to 
come  and  sing  beneath  my  window, 

Marian.  Fine  doings,  truly.  And  you,  I  suppose,  promised  to  open  your 
lattice  to  him. 

Annabel.     To  be  sure,  I  did. 

Marian.  But  is  there  no  sweetheart  to  whom  you  are  particularly 
true? 

Annabel.  Yes,  young  AUan-a-Dale,  of  Robin  Hood's  band.  He  is  a  gal- 
lant lad,  only  he  is  terribly  jealous.  Only  think,  he  says  if  I  see  Robin 
Hood  this  night,  all  is  over  between  us.  It  was  that  which  decided  me 
to  see  Robin. 

Marian.  Just  for  the  sake  of  getting  you  out  of  this  scrape  with  Robin,  I 
will  keep  the  appointment  that  you  have  with  him.  Thus  you  can  re- 
main good  friends  with  your  Allan  and  I  will  surprise  Robin,  who  seeks 
to  play  me  false. 

Annabel.     I  agree. 

Marian.     Mind  ;  I  only  do  this  as  a  favor  to  you. 

Annabel.  Come,  then,  and  I  will  show  you  my  room.  When  your  Robin 
appears  below  the  window,  you  can  open  the  lattice  to  him  in  my 
stead. 

.Marian  {with  affected  indifference).     Oh,  very  well  ;  I  follow  you. 

{Annabel  leads  the  way  into  the  house.  Marian  continues,  as  she  follows  An- 
nabel.) I  hope  that  the  moonlight  will  be  bright  enough  for  Robin  to 
see  my  fare.     {Exits.) 


30 


(Guv  enters,  followed  by  Allan-a-Dale.) 

Guy.     Master  Sherifif  !     Master  Sheriff !     Oh,    where  can   he  be  ?     Master 

Sheriff ! 
Allan.      Yes,  call    him    forth,  and    I    will    play  the   traitor   with  a  right  good 

will.     Come  forth.  Master  Sheriff,  an  you   would   capture  the  outlaw, 

Robin  Hood. 

(Sheriff  appeal's  in  doorway  of  the  house.) 

Sheriff.  That  woman  is  a  good  soul  if  she  does  say  she  is  my  wife.  She 
gave  me  some  herb  tea  and  seething  soorup  and  I  feel  as  well  as  ever. 
Hello,  friend  Guy,  what  do  you  want  ? 

Guy.  Here  is  a  golden  opportunity.  This  is  one  of  Robin  Hood's  band 
who  wants  to  give  Robin  up  to  justice. 

Sheriff.     Where  is  this  true-hearted  and  gentlemanly  outlaw  ? 

Allan.     I  am  the  man. 

Sheriff.  So  you  are  anxious  to  give  up  Robin,  are  you  ?  I  think  this  is 
rather  clever  of  me.     At  what  price,  eh  ? 

Allan.  Price  !  At  no  price  !  I  give  him  up  as  I  would  give  up  the  whole 
band,  if  they  played  me  such  a  trick.     I  want  no  money. 

Sheriff.  {Aside.)  So  much  the  better.  I  will  charge  it  up  to  the  county 
as  paid  to  him,  and  put  the  money — well,  never  mind.  {To  Allan.) 
Young  man,  it  does  you  credit  ;  you  are  not  a  traitor  for  revenue  only. 

Allan.     The  villain. 

Sheriff.     But  what  are  you  giving  Robin  up  for  ? 

Allan.  Because  he  is  trying  to  rob  me  of  my  sweetheart,  Annabel.  I  can- 
not live  without  her.  Rather  than  see  her  marry  him,  I  will  deliver 
him  up  to  the  Sheriff. 

Sheriff.  That's  right.  Now,  just  fancy  Robin  printing  a  kiss  upon  her 
beautiful  lips. 

Allan.     Oh,  the  villain  I 

Sheriff.  You  can't  think  of  his  arm  around  her  slim  waist  without  squirm- 
ing with  anguish. 

Guy.     Think  of  her  snow-white  arms  about  his  neck. 

Allan.     Perdition  ! 

Sheriff.     Perdition?     I  should   say  so.     Now,  where  can  we  find  him,  eh  ? 

Allan.     Meet  me  here  at  moonrise  and  I  will  point  him  out  to  you. 

Guy.       But  will  you  surely  be  here  ? 

Allan.     Indeed  I  will  be  here  to  gloat  over  his  capture. 

Sheriff.  You  need  not  trouble  yourself  about  doing  any  gloating.  If  any 
gloating  is  necessary,  I  can  attend  to  it.  As  a  gloater,  I  am  a  shining 
success. 

Guy.     Noble  young  man.     Take  this  purse  of  gold  for  your  trouble. 

Allan.  I  do  not  want  your  money.  Vengeance  is  enough  for  me.  (  Throivs 
down  ptirse.     Exits.) 

Sheriff.     If  you  tried  to  pay  your  board  with  vengeance,  you  would  not  find 


31 

it  go  very  far.  What  did  I  tell  you,  friend  Guy  ?  You  stick  to  me  and 
you  will  be  inlaid  with  cash.  Come  now,  let  us  tell  our  jovial  tinkers 
to  be  in  readiness. 

Guy.  Yes,  we  will  need  their  help.  There  is  one  of  him  and  only  six  uf 
us. 

Sheriff.  What  care  we  for  numbers  ?  We  would  get  the  best  of  him  if  we 
were  twice  as  many. 

(jGiiy  and  the  Sheriff  exit.  Ditriui^  this  scene  the  stage  has  grown  darker  and 
the  moon  rises.     Robin  enters.) 

Robin.  Oh,  Marian,  Marian,  if  I  could  only  believe  you  true.  But  did  not 
Guy  of  Gisborne  himself  say  that  she  was  to  marry  him  ?  Yes,  it  was 
the  King's  command  she  should  marry  the  Earl  of  Huntington,  as  he 
now  calls  himself.  She  is  lost  to  me  forever.  But  I  must  not  forget 
that  I  was  to  sing  a  serenade  to  that  little  coquette,  Annabel.  At  least, 
she  has  the  merit  of  not  pretending  to  be  true  to  anyone. 

Solo.       Robin. 


A  troubadour  sang  to  his  love. 

Who  looked  from  her  lattice  on  high  : 
"  So  long  as  the  moon  shines  above, 
So  long  will  I  be 
Ever  faithful  to  thee, 
So  long  as  the  moon's  in  the  sky. 
The  moon  must  shine  for  aye  ; 
So  hear  my  roundelay." 
'Twas  thus  sang  blithely  the  troubadour  ; 
And  his  melody  cast  a  spell  ; 
For  the  damsel  hearkened  and  loved  him  more 
Than  ever  a  damsel  might  tell. 

II. 
At  day,  when  the  moon  was  asleep. 
That  troubadour  warbled  his  lay 
To  other  fair  ladies  who  weep. 
Who  pensively  sigh 
And  softly  reply, 
Who  vow  they  will  love  him  for  aye. 
He  only  vowed  to  love 
While  Luna  shone  above  ; 
So  did  not  faithless  prove. 
Thus  sang  he  ever,  that  troubadour, 
And  his  melody  cast  a  spell  ; 
For  the  damsels  hearkened  and  loved  him  more 
Than  ever  young  damsels  might  tell. 


32 

{Marian    enters    front    house    wearing   Annabel's   red  cloak.      Moonlight. 

Marian  keeps  her  face  averted  from  Robin.) 
Marian.  So,  gallant  Robin,  thou  dost  bring 

This  serenade  to  me  to  sing  ? 
Robin.  No  serenade  could  ever  tell 

How  much  I  love  thee,  and  how  well. 

{Allan,  followed  by  Scarlet,  appears.  .Scarlet  trying  to  restrain  Allan,  who  is 
angry  on  seeing  Marian,  whom  he  mistakes  for  Annabel.) 

Allan.     {Aside.)  She  is  false  to  me.  the  jade. 

Scarlet.     {Aside.)  Pray  be  calm  and  undismayed. 

Marian.     {Aside.)  I  am  forgotten,  I'm  afraid. 

Robin.  No  serenade  could  ever  tell 

How  much  I  love  sweet  Annabel. 
Allan.     {Aside.)  Her  scorn  I  will  repay. 

Marian.     {Aside.)  He  has  a  winning  way. 

Robin,     {Aside.)  She  shall  not  say  me  nay. 

Scarlet.  {To  Allan, aside.)  I  pray  thee  think  of  her  no  more. 

Some  other  girl  adore. 
Robin  and  Marian.  Yes,  yes,  I  love  thee,  I  own. 

My  heart  is  thine  alone. 
Allan.     {Aside.)  My  vengeance  she  shall  know. 

Shall  she  wed  him  ?     Nay,  not  so. 

She  shall  be  mine  alone. 
Scarlet,  We  must  no  longer  stay. 

I  prithee  come  away.  {Scarlet  forces  Allan  away.) 

Robin.     Ah,  my  little  Annabel,  with  you  I  may  cease  to  remember  that  there 

are  high-born  ladies  who  forget  their  vows  and  foreswear  their  loves. 
Marian.     { Turning  her  face  toward  him.)    Is  there  any  particular  high-born 

lady  to  whom  you  refer.  Master  Robin  ? 
Robin.     {Af7iazed.)     It  is  Marian. 
Marian.     Yes,  your  injured  and  deserted  Marian.      I    have  heard    of  your 

pranks  with  village  girls,   and    with  shame   I  confess   that  I    love    one 

whom  I  find  engaged  in  singing  rapturous  love  songs  to  another. 
Robin.     Forgive  me,  Marian,  I  thought  you  false.       Rumor   says  that  you 

are  to  marry  Guy  of  Gisborne,  who  has  usurped  my  title,  my  estates. 
Marian.     Yes  ;  and  it  was  to  prevent  such  a  marriage  that  I  have  come  to 

link  my  fortunes  with  yours. 
Robin.     Oh,  that's  very  well  for    a   jest,   my  girl  ;    but  it   is   impossible — 

excepting  on  one  condition. 

{Sheriff,  Guy,  Allaii  and  two  tinkers  enter.  They  listen  to  the  following 
dialogue.  Allan  angry  at  seeing  Robin  with  one  ivhom  he  supposes  to  be 
Annabel.) 

Marian.     And  what  may  that  be  ? 


33 

Robin.     Consent  to  our  immediate  marriage. 

Allan.     (Asttle.)     Marriage  ! 

Robin.     Friar  Tuck  can  marry  us  as  safe  and  sound  as  a  bishop. 

Marian.     Very  well,  I  accept  the  condition. 

Robin.     And  the  jolly  Friar  shall  marry  us  on  the  morrow. 

Allan.     {Aside.)     Annabel  marry  Robin  ?     It  shall  never  be.     Seize  him  ! 

Robin.     Allan-a-Dale  a  traitor  !     I  cannot  believe  it.    {Tinkers  seize  Robin.) 

Sheriff.     What?     My  ward,   Marian? 

Allan.     Not  Annabel  ?     O  Captain  ! 

Marian.     Yes,  I  have  come  to  join  Robert. 

Sheriff.     Robert,  say  you  ? 

Marian.     Yes  ;  the  rightful  Earl    of   Huntington,    whom   you  have   driven 

to  get  an  honest  living  by  highway  robbery.  \ 

Sheriff.     Robin  Hood  and  Robert  of  Huntington  the  same  ! 
Robin.     Yes  ;  the  terrible  brigand  you  have  been  hunting  for  months,   who 

has  robbed  the  rich  and  befriended  the  poor  ;  who  has  slain  the  King's 

deer  and  fought  the  King's  men,  is    none    other  than    Robert  of  Hunt- 
ington. 
Sheriff.     So  much  the  better.     Seize  him  !     Oh,  you  are  seizing  him.    Well, 

you  other  fellows  seize  him  too.     He  is  a  terrible  creature.     Now  on  to 

Nottingham  town  ! 
Marian.     You  shall  not  take  him  without  me. 
Sheriff.     That's  all  right,  my  dear.     We  are  going  to  take  you,  never  fear. 

Come.     Away  with  them.    She  to  the  altar — he  to  the  halter.      Ha,    ha, 

ha  !     My  eagle  eye  triumphs  ! 
Robin.     Stop  I     One  moment,  my  crafty  friend.     You  have   played  all  vour 

trumps,  but  I  have  one  left. 
Sheriff.     {Dismayed.)    The  deuce  ! 

Robin.     The  deuce  ?    Perhaps  not  ;  it  may  be  the  King.    {Sounds  his  horn.) 
(  The  Outlaws  rush  on,  led  by  Allan.      Little  J  ,  Scarlet  and  Friar  Tuck  enter 

with  the  others.     Little  J.  and  Scarlet  release  Robin.     Friar  Tuck  ties  the 

Sheriff's  arms  behind  him.) 
Allan.     Captain,  it  was  I  who  brought  about  your  capture  ;  but  I  have  also 

effected  your  release. 
Robin.     I  forgive  you  for  the  one  and   thank  you   for  the  other.      I  thank 

you  one  and  all,  brave  comrades. 
Friar  T.     Here  is  our  arch-enemy,  the   Sheriff.     I  surrounded  him   all  by 

myself. 
Little  J.     What  shall  we  do  with  the  Sheriff? 
All.     Hang  him. 
Sheriff.     Gentlemen,   I  beg  that  you  will  not  hang  me  while  I  have  this  bad 

cold.      It  would  be  cruelty. 

{Dame  Durdcn  cntcn.) 
Dame.     My  poor,  dear  husband,  what  are  these  men  doing  to  you  ? 


34 


Little  /.  Husband  ? 
All.  Her  husband  ? 
Sheriff.     Woman,  get  you  gone  and  let  these  gentlemen   hang  me  in  peace. 

Haven't  I  enough  trouble  without  your  persisting  that  you  are  my  wife  ? 
Little  J.     Do  you  mean  to  say  that  you  are  this  man's  wife? 
Dame.     Certainly  ;  that  is  as  near  as   I   can  tell.      He   has  been  away  from 

me  for  twelve  long  years,  but  his  figure  is  the  same. 
Sheriff.     Oh.  my  figure's  the  same.      I  wish  I  hadn't  brought  it  with  me. 
Little  /.     Speak,  man  ;  are  you  this  woman's  husband  ? 
Sheriff.      Do  I  look  like  a  collector  of  antiquities  ? 
Scarlet.     Don't  evade  the  question,  but  tell  the  truth. 
Sheriff.     How  can  I  be  her  husband,  when  she's  not  my  wife? 
Dame.     Oh,  the  old  villain! 
All.     Oh,  the  old  villain  ! 
Dame.     Then  tell  me,  you  rascal,  how  did   you  come  by  this  suit  of  clothes 

that  you  have  on  ? 
Sheriff.      I  bought  them  at  an  auction  sale. 
Dame.     That  is  false  ;  I  made  them  with  my  own  hands.    {Prpduccs  letter.) 

And  this  letter  I  found  in  his  pocket  even  now. 
Robin.     Now,  if  you  are  not  this  honest  woman's  husband,  how  did  you  get 

this  suit  of  homespun  and  this  letter? 
Allan.     {Aside  to  Little  J.)     It's  the  suit  we  sold  at  auction  at  Nottingham. 
Dame.     If  he  denies  that  he  is  my  husband,  I  denounce  him  as  a  thief. 
Al!      He's  a  thief !     Hang  him  ! 
Sheriff.      .Mercy  !     Mercy  ! 
Robin.     We  are  honest  outlaws,  who  hold  thieving  in  abhorrence.    We  show 

no  mercy  to  thieves. 
Dame.     You  have  your  choice-     Admit  that   I  am  your   wife   or  that  you 

are  a  thief. 
Sheriff.      Life  is  very  precious  to  me,  and  there  is  a  suspense  about  hanging 

which  is  unpleasant— but,  I  admit  that  I  am  a  thief. 
Little  J.     He  admits  his  guilt  ;  to  the  stocks  with  him. 
AH.     To  the  stocks  with  him. 

Finale. 

(  7Vic  Sheriff  is  /^ut  in  the  stochs.) 

Principals.  Put  the  Sheriff  in  the  stocks — 

All.  In  the  stocks. 

Principals.  For  at  us  he  jibes  and  mocks — 

All.  Jibes  and  mocks. 

Outlaws.  In  Sherwood's  forest  the  merriest  of  lives 

Is  our  life  so  fair  and  free, 
And  this  old  hypocrite  in  gyves 

Made  fast  shall  straightway  be. 


35 


We'll  laugh  — ha.  ha  !— 'tis  jolly  fun 

To  see  him  now. 
We'll  laugh — ha,  ha  ' — the  Sheriff  is  undone  ; 
And  yet,  done  up,  we  vow. 
All.  Look  at  him.  look  at  him.     What  a  plight. 

Certainly  he  is  a  gruesome  sight. 
Prithee,  Master  Sheriff, 
Prithee  come  away. 
Stocks  are  most  becoming 
To  you  we  must  say. 
All.  Look  at  him,  look  at  him.     What  a  plight.   (Etc.) 

Dame.  So  now,  false  one.  you're  in  a  gruesome  plight  ; 

If  you'd  acknowledge  me  I'd  aid  your  flight. 
Sheriff.     {Dolefully.)        Woman,  get  thee  gone 

And  let  me  die  alone. 
{Aside.)  If  Guy  would  come  with  the  King's  men, 

I'd  turn  the  tables  on  them  then. 
Robin.  Come,  now  let's  to  our  forest  lair  ; 

Of  ambuscades  we  must  beware 
Little  J.  Yes  ;  let's  away,  for  danger's  lurking  near. 

Scarlet.  The  foresters  may  find  their  Sheriff  here. 

{From  all  sides  come  the  King's  archers,  led  by  Guy.     All  the  archers  dra-i 
their  bows  and  level  arroxvs  at  the  Outlaws.) 

Outlaws.  We're  lost  !     We're  lost  ! 

Archers.  We  triumph  !     Huzzah  ' 

Guy.  Let  a  man  stir  and  straight  his  life  is  done. 

We're  brave  as  lions,  for  we're  two  to  one. 

{The  Sheriff  is  released  from  the  stocks.) 

Sheriff.  It  seems  I  have  the  best  of  it 

Where  erst  I  had  the  worst ; 
Who  laughs  the  last  laughs  louder  far 

Than  he  who  laughs  the  first. 
Now,  Robin  Hood  shall  go  with  us, 

To  Nottingham  goes  he  ; 
Sing  hey  for  the  merry  stocks  and  chains, 
Sing  hey  for  the  gallows  tree. 
All.  The  very  merry, 

Heigh  down  derry, 
Rollicking  gallows  tree. 


Marian. 


But  you  must  set  him  free, 
That  he  may  wed  with  me. 
I'd  have  you  understand 
It  is  the  King's  command. 


36 


Sheriff. 


All, 


You're  dreadfully  mistaken,  Miss, 

For  he  is  not  the  one. 
The  King's  command  is  that  she  wed 

The  Earl  of  Huntington. 
The  Earl  of  Huntington  is  Guy, 

And  Guy  must  bridegroom  be. 
Sing  hey  for  the  merry  stocks  and  chains, 

And  the  rollicking  gallows  tree. 
The  very  merry. 
Heigh  down  derry, 

Rollicking  gallows  tree. 


Robin. 

Marian. 

Sheriff. 

Marian  and  Robin. 


All. 


'Tis  true.     Alas,  too  true. 

And  I  must  part  from  you.  , 

Take  them  away.     To  Nottingham  let's  hie. 

This  is  a  triumph  for  my  eagle  eye. 

Fear  not,  my  darling, 
Hope's  bright  star  may  still  be  shining  ; 

Fear  not,  my  love, 
For  ev'ry  cloud  has  silver  lining. 
I  will  be  true,  but  come  what  may, 
The  King's  command  we  must  obey. 
Yes,  come  what  will  and  come  what  may. 
The  King's  command  all  must  obey. 


End  of  the  Second  Act. 


ACT  III. 

Scene. —  The  cozirtyard  of  the  Sheriff's  house.  A  chapel.  A  shed  in  which 
is  a  blacksmith's  forge  with  fire.  A  prison  near  which  is  an  anvil,  be- 
fore which  Will  Scarlet  is  at  work  making  a  sword. 

Armorer's  Song.      Will  Scarlet. 


Let  hammer  on  anvil  ring,  ring,  ring, 

And  the  forge  fire  brightly  shine  ; 
Let  the  wars  rage  still,  while  I  work  with  a  will 

At  this  peaceable  trade  of  mine. 
The  sword  is  a  weapon  to  conquer  fields  ; 

I  honor  the  man  who  shakes  it  ; 
But  naught  is  the  lad  who  the  broadsword  wields 

Compared  to  the  lad  who  makes  it. 
Huzzah  for  the  anvil,  the  forge  and  the  sledge  ; 

Huzzah  for  the  sparks  that  fly  ; 
If  I  had  a  cup  I  would  straightway  pledge 

The  armorer — that  is  L 

Clang,  clang,  clang ! 
Let  carking  care  go  hang. 

Let  the  trusty  sledge 

On  the  anvil's  edge 
By  a  lusty  arm  be  hurled. 

Cling,  cling,  cling  ! 
Let  the  armorer  blithely  sing  ; 

F"or  it's  here  is  made 

The  hero's  blade 
That  may  conquer  all  the  world. 


Let  others  of  glory  sing,  sing,  sing. 

As  they  struggle  in  glory's  quest. 
Let  them  wave  their  brands  in  their  mailed  hands 

While  the  sword  smites  shield  and  crest. 
The  soldier's  a  lad  who  is  stanch  and  leal. 

And  his  calling  is  most  glorious  ; 
But  who  is  it  gives  him  the  trusty  steel 

That  can  render  him  victorious  ? 


38 

Huzzah  for  the  wight  who  can  fashion  a  blade 

That  can  make  a  traitor  fly  ; 
Huzzah  for  the  lad  who  this  broadsword  made, 

The  armorer — that  is  I. 

Clang,  clang,  clang  '. — etc. 

{^Little  John,  Friar  Tuck  and  Allana-Dalc  enter ,  dressed  as  monks.^ 

Scarlet.  So  these  are  the  chains  for  Robin  Hood  None  would  think,  to 
look  at  them,  that  I  have  made  them  weak  in  a  certain  link,  so  that  our 
Captain  may  break  them  at  will.  Methinks  I  am  well-nigh  sly  enow 
for  a  sheriff.     Hello  !     Whom  have  we  here  ? 

Little  J.  Friend,  we  are  three  pious  pilgrims  who  are  begging  our  way 
from  door  to  door.      Perchance  thou  hast  a  few  crumbs  of  bread  for  us. 

Allan.     Or  a  few  crumbs  of  sponge  cake — 

Friar  T.     Or  a  few  crumbs  of  cranberry  pie — 

Little  J.,  Allan  and  Friar   T.      Ho  !  ho  !  ho  !     (Laughing  at  Scarlet.) 

Scarlet.  Think  not  to  befool  me  with  your  cowls  and  gowns.  I  know  ye 
too  well. 

IJttle  f.     And  how  fares  the  rescue  of  our  Captain  ? 

Scarlet.  Methinks  all  will  be  well.  The  Sheriff  has  planned  to  have  Robin 
brought  from  jail  to-day  that  he  may  witness  the  marriage  of  Maid 
Marian  to  Guy  of  Gisborne.  "Who  will  make  strong  chains  for 
Robin  ?"  quoth  the  Sheriff.  "  I  am  an  armorer,"  said  1.  Not  knowing 
me  to  be  Will  Scarlet,  he  took  me  at  my  word,  and  here  are  the  chains. 
{Friar  Tuck  tries  to  break  the  chains,  which  all  cxaiitiiic  )  Be  careful, 
man.      You  will  break  them 

Little  /.     Break  them  ?     Ho  !  ho  !     A  fine  armorer,  truly. 

Scarlet.  Yes,  they  are  made  weak  in  a  certain  link,  so  our  Captain  may 
free  himself  right  easily. 

Allan.     And  Annabel  ?     Have  you  learned  anything  of  her  ? 

Scarlet.  Annabel  is  to  be  married  to  the  Sheriff  at  the  same  time  that 
Marian  is  wedded  to  Guy  of  Gisborne. 

Allan.     This  is  more  of  her  treachery. 

Scarlet.  No  ;  blame  her  not.  She  is  forced  into  the  marriage  by  Dame 
Durden,  her  mother. 

Little  J.  A  double  wedding,  eh?  Oh,  very  well  ;  then  we  must  have  a 
double  rescue.  Let  us  carry  off  Robin,  Marian  and  Annabel  all  to- 
gether. 

Scarlet.  First  I  will  put  on  Robin  his  new  chains,  which  he  may  easily 
break. 

Little  J  The  Friar  and  I  will  go  to  Robin's  cell  to  give  him  spiritual 
counsel. 

Friar  T.  I'll  change  clothes  with  him,  and  Robin  shall  come  forth  in  my 
cowl  and  gown.      I  will  remain  in  the  cell  in  his  place. 

Allan.      But  the  Sheriff  will  hang  you  for  helping  Robin  lo  escape. 


39 

Friar  T.     Hang  me?    Let  him  try  it.     I  am  a  churchman,  and  sacred  from 

the  touch  of  such  profane  beasts  as  sheriffs.     Hang  me  ?     Let  him  dare 

to  lay  a  finger  on  me,  and  I  will  excommunicate  him. 
Little  J.     I  have  brought  with  me  a  score  of  our  yeomen,  who  will  rush  to 

aid  us  at  a  blast  from  my  bugle. 
Allan.     And  I  will  seek  Annabel,  and  tell  her  that  at  the  last  moment  she 

may  be  rescued  from  her  ancient  bridegroom.     {Runs  off.) 
Scarlet.     Now  into  the  jail  with  me. 
Little  /.     And  I  would  like  to  see  the   Sheriff  when   he  comes  to   look   for 

his  prisoner.     He  will  find  him  so  reformed  that  he  has  become  a  pious 

and  holy  monk. 

{Scarlet,  Friar    Tuck  ami  Little  John  enter  the  jail.) 

{Enter  Annabel,  R.  3.) 

Annabel.     Oh,   this  hateful  marriage  !     Is   there  no  way  that   I   can  escape 

it?     On  her  wedding  day  a  girl's  thoughts  should  be  only  of  her  future 

husband.     But   I  cannot,  will  not  think  of  that  wretched  old  Sheriff. 

No  !    All   my  thoughts  are   of  Allan.     Surely  he  will   forgive   me  and 

save  me  from  this  marriage. 

SOXG.     Annabel. 

I. 

A  maiden's  thoughts  on  her  merry  wedding  day 

Should  ever  be  of  love  alone. 
'Tis  not  so  with  me,  I'm  unhappy  as  can  be. 

And  doleful  dreams  my  thoughts  employ. 
For  though  I  may  not  wed  the  one  I  love, 

Nor  evermore  his  face  may  see, 
Alas  !     Ah  me  !     Would  he  were  here  to  save  me, 

He's  all  the  world  to  me. 

Then  come  what  may, 
My  heart  is  Allan's, 
He's  the  one  I  love. 
And  shall  love  for  aye. 
Then  come  what  may, 
Through  all  I  love  him. 
In  a  proper  way, 
As  a  maiden  may. 
He's  all  the  world  to  me. 


Now  take  warning,  maids,  if  ye  marry  otherwise 
Than  for  fond  love,  for  love  alone, 

Cupid  e'er  has  been  such  a  jealous  little  sprite 
That  lovers  all  his  sway  must  own. 


40 

So  wed  no  old  or  crusty,  fusty  fellow, 

For  the  step  you  will  regret. 
There's  sure  to  be  some  young  and  handsome  swain, 

Whom  you  can  never  quite  forget. 
Then  come  what  may,  etc. 

(  The  Sheriff  and  Guy  enter,  i,.      Both  are  in  their  7vedding  elothes.) 

Sheriff.  What  did  I  tell  you,  friend  Guy  ?  Did  I  not  say  that  you  would 
win  the  girl  if  you  would  trust  to  my  colossal  mind  and  unequaled 
eagleness  of  eye  ? 

Gtiy.     You  did  indeed,  and  if  you  ever  want  a  friend 

Sheriff  {interrtipting).  I  don't — they're  too  expensive.  I  must  be  satis- 
fied with  gratitude,  friend  Guy,  (aside)  and  with  the  lion's  share  of 
Robert's  estate  and  Marian's  dowry. 

Guy.     But  where  is  my  lovely  bride,  Marian  ? 

Sheriff.  And  where  is  my  beauteous  little  Annabel,  I  finally  persuaded 
her  mother  that  I  was  not  her  father — I  mean  that  I  was  not  her  hus- 
band— I  mean  that  I  was  not  Dame  Durden's  husband,  so  the  Dame 
eagerly  accepted  me  as  a  son-in-law.      But  where  is  Annabel? 

{Dante  Durden,  dragging  Annabel,  enters.  Allan  enters,  still  ivearing  his 
monk's  cowl  and  gown.')  Ha  !  Here  she  is,  the  fairest  of  her  sex — with 
a  few  trifling  exceptions.  {To  Annabel.)  One  little  ante-nuptial 
embrace.  Oh,  I  doat  upon  her  !  {Goes  to  Annabel  and  offers  to  kiss 
her.) 

Annabel  {shrinking).     Oh,  I  wish  I  had  an  antidote 

Sheriff.  Kissing  between  persons  who  have  plaught—  I  mean  plighted 
their  troth  is  not  altogether  prohibited. 

Guy.      It's  quite  the  usual  thing,  you  know. 

Sheriff.  Just  a  pocket  edition  of  a  kiss  upon  those  pearly  lips — I  mean 
ruby  lips. 

{Allan  steps  between  Annabel  and  the  Sheriff.  The  Sheriff,  not  noticing  that 
Allan  has  taken  the  place  of  Annabel,  kisses  him.) 

Sheriff.  What  impudence  is  this  ?  To  the  stocks  with  this  fellow.  Take 
his  measure  for  a  new  stocks  at  once. 

Allan.     Surely  you  would  not  do  violence  to  a  poor  mendicant  monk? 

Sheriff.     Certainly,  if  he  comes  monking  around  my  bride. 

{Robin,  wearing  Friar  Tuck's  cowl  and  gown,  and  Little  John,  still  as  a  i/ionk, 
enter  from  the  jail.     Friar  Tuck  appears  in  the  7oindow  of  the  jail.) 

Allan.  (Aside.)  It  is  I.  Allan,  (To  the  Sheriff.)  I  only  come,  my  Lord 
Sheriff,  to  say  that  the  Bishop  of  Hereford  has  been  captured  by  Robin 
Hood's  men.  and  he  is  their  prisoner  in  Sherwood  Forest. 

Dame.     The  Bishop  taken  captive  ! 

Annabel.     Then  the  wedding  will  have  to  be  put  off.     Oh.  joy  ! 

Sheriff.     Mv  bonnv  bride   is   not    wildlv  anxious   to   be  married.     There  is 


41 

nothing  of  the  fever  of  impatience  about  Annabel.  Courage,  my  dar- 
ling. If  the  Bishop  cannot  get  here  to  officiate  at  the  double  wedding, 
we  will  get  some  pious  friar  to  perform  the  ceremony.  Perhaps  this 
young  monk  would  do.  Young  man,  what  terms  will  you  make  to 
marry  two  couples  ?  A  couple  of  couples,  you  know  ;  you  ought  to  do 
it  cheaply,  you  know. 

Allan.  I  would  not  presume  to  take  the  place  of  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Here- 
ford, but  I  can  get  you  a  good  churchman  who  will  do  it  for  you. 

Robin.  What  would  ye,  brethren?  A  holy  man  to  marry  ye?  In  good 
sooth,  there  is  no  better  marrier  than  I  in  all  Nottinghamshire.  Is  it 
not  so,  Brother  Bartholomew  ? 

Little  J.  Marry,  'tis  full  of  truth  that  thou  sayest.  Brother  Joseph.  Mar- 
rying is  his  specialty,  I  wot. 

Guy.  What  say  you,  Master  Sheriff  ?  Are  you  willing  this  good  Friar 
should  take  the  place  of  the  Bishop  ? 

Sheriff.  I  would  prefer  the  Bishop  ;  but  since  my  lovely  Annabel  is  rest- 
lessly eager  to  call  me  hers,  the  Friar  will  have  to  do  for  us. 

Little  J.     And  he  unll  do  for  you.     (Aside.) 

Sheriff.  Yonder  is  the  chapel.  Mind  that  you  be  not  late,  for  the  cere- 
mony is  soon  to  begin.  We  only  await  one  of  the  brides,  and  the  or 
gan  blower. 

Little  J.     Oh,  we  will  be  here  betimes,  never  fear. 

Robin.     Come,  Brother  Bartholomew. 

Little  J.  Ay,  ay,  Brother  Joseph  ;  but  go  slowly,  for  I  am  sore  stricken  in 
years,  and  my  aged  form  is  bent  like  a  forest  oak. 

{Robin  exits,  followed  by  Little  John.) 

Annabel.  {Aside.)  Oh,  Allan,  forgive  me  and  save  me.  I  only  love  you  ; 
I  swear  it.     {Church  bells  ring.) 

Allan.  {Aside.)  Do  not  fear.  Keep  up  your  courage,  and  at  the  last 
moment  you  and  Marian  shall  be  restored  to  us. 

Sheriff  {turning  to  Allan  and  Annabel).  How  now,  my  bridey  ?  bridey  ? 
Are  you  trying  to  captivate  this  young  churchman  on  your  wedding 
day  ? 

Allan.  Calm  yourself.  Master  Sheriff  ;  I  was  telling  your  beauteous  bride 
the  story  of  yon  church  bells. 

Sheriff.     That  will  do  for  some  other  chime  ! 

Annabel.  Oh  a  passing,  pleasant  story,  methinks.  {Aside  to  Allan.) 
What  was  it  ? 

Allan.  Of  a  damsel  who  was  charmed  away  from  a  hapless  marriage  by 
hearing  those  bells  ring  out  their  chimes. 

The  Bells  of  St.  Swithins. 

Allan,  In  olden  times 

St.  Swithins'  chimes 


42 

Told  blithely  ev'ry  hour 

From  out  the  old  grey  tower. 
'Neath  Swithins'  shade 
A  lovely  maid 

Lived  in  a  cottage  bower, 

As  fair  as  any  flower. 
She  heard  the  chimes  through  all  the  day  ; 
She  heard  them  call  the  folk  to  pray  ; 
She  learned  to  love  their  roundelay 

From  old  St.  Swithins'  tower. 

Ding,  dong,  bell. 
For  wedding  song  or  funeral  knell, 
Your  message  to  each  hearer  tell. 
Betimes, 
Ye  chimes. 
Ding,  dong,  dong  ! 
Of  joy  or  grief  may  be  your  song. 
If  mirth  or  pain 
Be  your  refrain, 
Still  ring,  ye  bells,  and  sing. 
All.  Ding,  dong,  bell — etc. 

Allan.  A  youth  there  came 

With  love  aflame 
To  that  sweet  maiden's  bower 
Beneath  St.  Swithins'  tower. 
With  smile  and  sigh 
He  bade  her  fly 
Nor  heed  what  clouds  might  lower- 
True  love  enough  for  dower — 
A  little  space  with  him  she  strayed, 

When  warningly  those  chime  bells  played  : 
"  Turn  back,  turn  back,  O  gentle  maid. 
His  love  will  last  an  hour." 
All.  Ding,  dong,  bell — etc. 

(After  the  song,  all  exit.     Robhi  Hood  enters,  still  -,i<ea>ing  his  monk's  dress.) 

Rolnn.  It  is  all  prepared.  The  chapel  will  be  filled  with  our  brave  fel- 
lows. I  will  be  in  the  Bishop's  place,  with  Little  John  and  Scarlet  at 
either  hand.  It  will  be  strange  indeed  if  we  cannot  carry  off  both 
girls  and  baffle  the  Sheriff. 

{Friar  Tuck  appears  in  the  -,K'iiido7L'  of  the  jail.) 

Friar  T.  What,  ho  !  Captain  Robin  Hood  '  How  much  longer  must  1 
cool  my  heels  in  this  box?  These  chains  are  a  misfit.  And  I'm  get- 
ing  hungry.     Can't  you  get  one  a  tripe  sandwich  ? 


43 

Robin.  Patience,  my  jovial  Friar,  you  will  soon  be  released.  You  must 
rattle  your  chains  loudly.  Then  if  the  Sheriff  hears  them  he  will  not 
imagine  that  I  have  escaped.     (Friar  Tuck  rattles  chains  tondly.) 

Friar  T.  But  begone.  I  see  some  one  approaching  from  the  Sheriff's 
house. 

Robin.     Perhaps  it  may  be  Marian.     I  will  stay  and   tell  her  of  our   plan. 
{Retires  up  stage.     Marian  enters  from  the  house.) 

Marian.     What  !     It  is  Robin  ! 

Robin      Yes,  my  Marian — mine  in  spite  of  the  King's  command. 

Marian.     But  how  have  you  managed  to  escape  ? 

Robin.  That  I  have  not  time  to  tell  you  now.  I  come  to  tell  you  that 
you  must  keep  up  a  good  heart,  and  at  the  very  moment  that  this  Guy 
of  Gisborne  thinks  to  make  you  his  wife  I  will  save  you. 

Marian.  The  king  has  returned  from  the  Crusades.  If  you  can  contrive 
to  gain  a  little  time,  His  Majesty  is  sure  to  right  your  wrongs  and 
to  give  me  to  you  instead  of  to  that  impostor,  Guy  of  Gisborne. 

Robin.  Yes,  I  have  sent  one  of  my  trusty  comrades  with  a  message  to  His 
Majesty.  If  I  know  that  you  still  love  me,  you  may  trust  to  me  and 
the  valor  of  Robin  Hood's  band. 

Marian.  My  brave  Robin.  Come  what  may,  I  will  be  yours  and  yours 
only. 

{Robin  exits.     Alarian  retnains.     Sheriff  enters.) 

Sheriff.  What's  this  ?  Another  monk  monking  ?  Marian  talking  to  a 
strange  man  on  her  wedding  day.  Your  betrothed,  the  Earl,  will  posi- 
tively sizzle  with  jealousy. 

Marian.  It  was  only  the  Friar,  who  has  been  giving  me  wise  counsel  to 
be  obedient  and  dutiful. 

Sheriff,     And  now  to  give  Robin  his  invitation  to  your  wedding. 

Marian.     What  ?     Is  he  to  be  among  the  guests  ? 

Sheriff.  Certainly.  It  will  add  to  my  triumph  if  he  stands  by  in  his 
chains  and  sees  you  wedded  to  his  rival.  {Opens  the  door  of  the  jail.) 
Ho,  master  outlaw,  come  forth,  {Leaves  the  door  open.  Turns  to  talk 
to  Marian.)  Now  you  shall  see  what  a  shamefaced  fellow  this  Robin 
is.  This  is  my  moment  for  gloating.  You  may  want  to  gloat  some- 
time yourself,  so  just  watch  me  and  you  will  pick  up  a  few  points. 
Come  forth,  my  bold  outlaw.  Now  you  shall  see  what  a  shamefaced 
fellow  this  Robin  is.     Come  forth  ! 

{Friar  Ttick  enters.) 

Sheriff.  So,  so  ;  you  claim  to  be  the  rightful  Earl  of  Huntington,  do  you  ? 
{Sees  that  it  is  not  Robin.)  What's  this  ?  Robin  seems  to  have  shrunk 
and  grown  fat.  Little  Robin  Red  vest.  What  means  this  trick, 
sirrah  ?     Robin  Hood  escaped  !     Ho.  to  the  gallows  with  this  fellow  ! 

Friar  T.  Gallows?  Thou  impious  rascal  !  I  am  a  churchman,  a  friar. 
Around  my  form  I  draw  the  magic  circle.     Step  but  one  foot  within   it. 


and  I  will  curse  you  up  hill  and  down  dale.  A  gallows  for  a  friar,  for- 
sooth.    Try  it  ! 

Sheriff.     But  where  is  Robin  ? 

Friar  T.  Oh,  you  mean  the  wight  who  robbed  me  of  my  cowl  and  gown 
and  put  his  chains  on  me.  I  went  to  his  cell  to  give  him  kindly  coun- 
sel, when  he  overpowered  me  and  escaped.     Out  upon  him,  say  I  ! 

Marian.  Since  Robin  has  escaped,  I  suppose  you  will  postpone  the  wed- 
dings ? 

Sheriff.  Postpone  the  weddings  ?  Nonsense  !  Go  and  prepare  yourself 
at  once.  Then  we  will  summon  the  King's  archers  and  scour  the  coun- 
try for  Robin  Hood.     Go,  girl,  and  prepare. 

Marian.  I  must  trust  to  Robin  to  find  some  means  to  defeat  the  Sheriff's 
plans.  {She  enters  the  house.  Guy  enters.  Dame  Burden  comes  on, 
dragging  Atuiabel.) 

Dame.  Come  along,  you  foolish  girl.  Would  you  believe  it,  Master 
Sheriff,  this  child  is  not  eager  to  marry  you  ? 

Sheriff.     Well,  there's  no  accounting  for  tastes. 

Guy.     Strange  to  say,  Marian  is  not  yearning  to  marry  me. 

Friar  T.     Sensible  girls,  both  of  them. 

Annabel.  (To  Sheriff.)  You  old  villain,  trying  to  steal  a  girl  from  her 
sweetheart.  Oh,  I'll  get  even  with  you,  if  I  have  to  marry  you  to  do 
it.     I'll  make  it  warm  for  you. 

Sheriff.  My  dear,  I  expect  that.  When  a  man  gets  married,  he  must  take 
his  chances.  But  I  am  of  a  cheerful  disposition.  Make  it  warm  for 
me,  if  you  can  ;  but  the  more  you  scold,  the  more  I  will  sing.  I  have 
never  seen  the  trials  that  I  could  not  chase  away  by  singing  my  tooral- 
looral  lay. 

Quintette.     Annabel,  Dame  Durden,  Sheriff,  Friar  and  Guy. 


When  life  seems  made  of  pains  and  pangs, 

I  sing  my  tooral-looral  lay. 
When  bill  collectors  spout  harangues, 
I  sing  my  tooral-looral  lay. 
No  matter  what  care 
On  us  may  bear. 
What  though  our  clothes  be  out  of  style, 
Though  poverty's  ills 
Bring  bitter  pills, 
We'll  swallow  them  and  smile 

The  while. 
While  songs  our  woes  beguile. 
As  life  is  brief,  let  life  be  gay. 
It  only  lasts  a  summer  day  ; 


45 

So  carking  care  pray  chase  away 
By  singing  tiddy-fal-lay. 


When  no  one  laughs  at  jokes  I  make, 

I  sing  my  tooral-looral  lay  ; 
And  when  I  have  a  hard  toothache, 
I  sing  my  tooral-looral  lay  ; 
When  dinners  are  cold 
And  old  wives  scold, 
I  sing  until  my  throat  is  sore  ; 
When  terrible  gout 
Doth  make  me  shout, 
I  only  sing  the  more. 

Yes,  more. 
Than  e'er  I  sang  before. 
As  life  is  short,  let  life  be  gay,  etc. 

Sheriff.  Come.  To  the  church.  As  the  Bishop  of  Hereford  has  been 
captured  by  that  villain,  Robin  Hood,  this  worthy  Friar  will  perform 
the  ceremony. 

Robin.     Yes,  my  Lord  Sheriff,  I  am  very  much  at  your  service. 

Guy.     Come,  let  the  wedding  proceed  at  once. 

Sheriff.     Yes,  to  the  church. 

All.     To  the  church. 

Finale. 

Sheriff.  Now  let  each  bonny  bridegroom  take  his  bride  ; 

The  doors  of  yonder  church,  pray  open  wide. 
Friar  T.  To  open  those  church  doors  there  is  no  need  ; 

For  in  that  task  will  others  take  the  lead. 
Allan.     {Aside.)        You  shall  not  wed  these  damsels  ;  no  ; 

Your  plans  we  yet  will  overthrow. 
Annabel.  {Aside.)     I  will  obey  that  fateful  chime. 

If  Robin  should  not  come  in  time. 

(  The  doors  of  the  church  are  thrown  open.  Robin  stands  in  front  of  the  doors, 
throws  his  friar's  gown  aside  and  shows  himself  in  a  suit  of  green.  The 
church  is  filled  with  armed  outlaws  clad  in  Lincoln  green.) 

Outlaws.  Vict'ry  !     We  conquer  at  last. 

Marian.  Danger  is  over  and  past. 

Robin.  Love,  now  we  never  more  will  part, 

Whate'er  betide. 
Safe  in  my  sheltering  arms  thou  art, 

My  own  sweet  bride. 


46 


Oiitlai 


All. 


With  rage  I  burn. 

We  win  the  day. 

Now  away 

To  Sherwood  Forest  without  delay. 

( Trumpets  sound  without.^ 
What  is  this  ? 


(/4  7nessenger  e7ite7-s  zvitli  a  letter. ) 

Little  J.  A  pardon  from  the  King  for  Robin  Hood, 

Robin.  My  pardon  ! 

Marian.  Then  he  is  free 

To  wed  with  me. 
Robin.     You  see,  Master   Sheriff,  at    last  I    play    the    King. 
Sheriff.     Oh,  promise  me  that  some  day  you  will  die. 
Marian.  I  came  as  a  cavalier  ; 

'Twas  to  seek  my  own  and  only  love. 
Tho'  clouds  were  dark  and  drear, 

Yet  the  skv  is  now  blue  above. 


Robin. 


All. 


Farewell  to  old  Sherwood  gay. 
And  to  all  my  gallant  outlaw  crew  ; 

But  many  a  match  we  yet  may  have 
With  my  true  bow  of  yew. 

Danger's  past,  and  at  last 
They'll  be  married  ;  their  love's  steadfast. 
May  they  ne'er  know  a  care. 
May  their  lives  be  always  fair. 
May  they  never  have  to  sever, 
Hail  the  happy  pair. 


END  OF  THE  OPERA. 


J 


NEW  NATIONAL  THEATRE 

W.    H.   RAPLEY MANAGER 

T.  ARTHUR  SMITH -         Treasurer 

WEEK    OF  MOrSSDAY,  OCTOBER  31,  1898. 

SATURDAY  MATINEE 

THE  BOSTONIANS 

BARNABEE  &  IViACDONALD,  Propri&tors. 

Direction  FRANK  L.   PERLEY. 

IN   THEIR   MOST   POPULAR  OPERA, 

Robin  Hood. 

By  Reginald  DeKoyen  and  Harky  B.  Smith. 


CAST  OF  CHARACTERS. 
Sheriff  of  Nottingham        -        -        -        Henry  Clay  Barnabee 
Little  John      -        -        -        -        -        -        W.  H.  MacDonaid 

Robin  Hood        -----        -       Wil  iam  E.  Philp 

Will  Scarlet William  McDonald 

Alan  a-Dale Jessie  Bartlett  Davis 

Friar  Tuck George  Frothingham 

Guy  of  Gisborne W.  H.  Fitzgerald 

Maid  Marion Helen  Bertram 

Dame  Durden             .....     Josephine  Bartlett 
Annabel Carolyn  Daniels 

SYNOPSIS  OF  SCENES. 
ACT  I. — Market  Square,  Nottingham,  England. 
ACT  II.— Sherwood  Forest,  England. 
ACT  III. — Courtyard  of  the  Sheriff's  House. 

Friday  Afternoon,  November  4th,  at  4  o'clock    end  Sunday  Evening, 
November  6th,  at  8.15  o'clock, 

Will  deliver  his  unique  lecture  HOME  SWEET  HOME. 

week}    Charles  Frohman's  Comedians 

PRESENTING 

WiLLIAM  GILLETTE'5  Latest  Comedy  Hit, 
BECAUSE  SHE  LOVED  HIM  SO. 

Sunday  Evening  December  11th, 


30  DAY  USE 

KBTUKN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

MUSIC  LIBRARY 

.u^uct  flate  stamped  below,  or 


ML50,D32,R6  1896 
C037528712 

U.C.  BERKELEY  LIBRARIES 


CD37Safl71S 


DATE  DUE 


Music  Library 

University  of  California  at 

Berkeley 


